Final answer:
Packer suggests our trouble with understanding the Bible stems from the misconception that it has hidden meanings and from our own fears of misreading the text, similar to how a layperson might not 'read' a car engine like a mechanic can. Readers often complicate texts needlessly and struggle with non-literal interpretations and perceived inconsistencies, sometimes influenced by others' misuse of scripture. A non-literal approach to biblical stories, such as viewing Genesis as an ongoing creation, also presents challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Packer concludes that the trouble with understanding the Bible when we read is primarily due to misconceptions about literature, which can be applied to biblical texts as well. People often fear that they are missing the 'real' message or not getting what the Bible 'really' says. This is analogous to how someone untrained in mechanics might miss the obvious issues under a car's hood that a skilled mechanic would immediately recognize. Similarly, many readers fear they lack the ability to 'read' the Bible correctly.
However, the difficulty, as illustrated by various excerpts from LibreTexts, is not that the Bible's messages are shrouded in secrecy; rather, readers are prone to overcomplicating the text. They look for hidden meanings or struggle with passages that seem inconsistent, and this can be exacerbated by misinterpretations that serve others' agendas, such as the misuse of the Bible for exerting power or justifying immoral attitudes. Moreover, Goddard's view suggests a non-literal approach to stories like Genesis implies an ongoing process of creation, including human development and moral growth, which some find hard to grasp. Others question the Bible's utility in resolving contradictions or fear missing out on subtle or complex theological nuances.