How can the Bible be interpreted both literally and metaphorically at the same time?

Question

Whenever I question Creationism, bible-thumpers say evolution couldn't exist because God created the heavens and the earth and Adam and Eve, just like it says in the bible.

Whenever I point out something *wrong* with the bible, they say I'm reading it "out of context."

It can't be both. For either arguement to work, it has to be exclusively one or the other.

Why do they do this?

Answer 1

Sadly, most people who dont question the bible dont really read it themselves and think. They follow whatever the church says and think of that as the ultimate truth. Find someone who follows the bible, even if it is literally and they will understand the fact that the bible can be taken many diffrent ways so they try to take the good things out of the religion and follow that.

The people who think that it is 100% literal, even though they dont follow the bible 100% (next time someone says that homosexuality is wrong, tell them that the same part of the bible that says it is a terrible sin also says that touching a pig or cutting your hair is a terrible sin) dont actually know how to read it. If they did, they would see that the bible contradicts itself thousands of times, sometimes within the same sentance, and that it is physically impossible to live in modern society exactly the way the bible says you should. They just dont know what to think, so they let those who are leaders of an established church do all the thinking for them, and then take it to the extreme.

As for your question though, it can be taken both ways at the same time. However, it takes someone open minded to think that way. The only way it is really possible is if you either believe that the bible is mostly true but some parts were just put in to make it a better story, or if you believe it is 100% true but are open minded enough to see where someone else would not believe it.

In my opinion, the bible (the new translations, not the bloody and violent origional translation) is a nice book, filled with inspiring stories to give examples of morals. Kinda like Dr. Seus (I may have spelled that wrong...) Green eggs and ham never ACTUALLY happened, its just there to teach people to be open and try new things. Just because its written down doesnt mean that it is THE word, and even if it was, there are so many diffrent translations where just changing a few words make a world of diffrence.

Answer 2

Mori:
Yeah, someone is misunderstanding the argument. It might be you, but it's just as likely to be the christians you're talking to. They hear that phrase alot "taking it out of context," but don't really understand how to establish context, and how far you can take things before it's 'out.' In seminaries, there is a class or two on simply how to intrepret the text of any given passage, on top of theology, etc. Just simply a literary analysis class. It's called "Hermeneutics."-The science of interpreting a text (Bible in this case.)

Anyway, all that to say it's a bit complicated, this thing with context. Sure, some of it's open to debate, as becomes clear once one starts to understand the rules, but the rules are basic common sense. Except that some of them are things like "Interpret a passage literally unless it demands otherwise." Well, ok. That's easy with a verse like "And David looked out and saw Bathsheeba." Pretty obvious that there's nuthin' fancy there, just tellin' a story. However, there are a ton of spots in the Bible that are interpreted both literally and figuratively by equally sincere and intelligent people. (For the record, I think all the essential claims of Christianity fall easily into the 'clearly literal' camp.)
But ANYWAY! Most average christians just hear the phrase, and use it without understanding any of that. In fact, I dare say alot of pastors do that.

I would also point out that many of the so-called errors in the Bible are simply not errors, they're easily explained. There are a few major issues with the Bible, but if one were to make a list of all the errors the Bible has been accused of, 90-95% of it is either clearly not a problem after investigation, or the problem is ambigious enough that we simply don't have enough information. Only a few to none are, in my opinion, real serious issues. But that's a different story!

However, if the 'problems' you found in the Bible were stuff from the Old Testament (like sacrificial system, etc.) and they said "You're taking it out of context!" I don't think context changes whether or not animals were sacrificed. So THIS is where the problem is, I expect. You said something like this, and they said "Context!" like it's some kind of cure-all hermeneutical band-aid.

Well, context won't fix this problem. Thought & logic might, but context is what GAVE the problem.

So they ARE being consistent when they demand a literal genesis (though their position does not demand one), and they are INCONSISTENT when they write other things off to context.
It's 'cause you're freakin'em out.

-Stephen

Answer 3

One of the things that most people don't really realise about The Bible is that it was never written as one unified work. It was originally many different books that eventually came together after they were approved by the Catholic Church. Because of it, there are a great deal of different styles of writing within it. Also, the books of the Bible were all written during different time periods and were meant to say things to different groups of people. Which you can find in any decent academic text on Bible Study.
The Bible can't really be taken entirely literally or entirely metaphorically. When you read it, you really have to keep in mind its original intended audience and when it was written. For example, the Book of Genesis was originally an ancient Sumerian creation myth.

Answer 4

Well you are relying upon mans understanding and not Gods understanding. So that your problem. Evolution is mans creation not Gods. What do you want to know? To site an example of mans understanding, when the locomotive was invited men believe that going faster than a horse would cause bodily harm and even death. Well, that's been proven wrong. And Gods creations are still being deciphered. Does that make it any more clear for you?

Answer 5

If you read and STUDY the Bible, you must understand who is speaking, who is being spoken to, and what the context is. Many many people take things out of context (and I was one of them) It would be best to use the 20/20 rule. Read 20 verses BEFORE and 20 verses AFTER. Look at what is being said. What is happening and why so and so is saying such and such a thing. If you don't' think you are taking it out of context , then Study the Bible. Study to show thyself approved - a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Answer 6

Interpreting the Bible is a science (hahaha I know). Its called Hermeneutics. Your theology will determine how you interpret. If you are reading a parable-you must understand that it a 'made up' story used to teach a truth. If you see the words "like" or "as" then you know something is being used as a comparison. For instance-'when he spoke it was "like" the sound of many roaring rivers'.
If it says something like ..."and God said 'let there be light' and there was light". The bible intends for you to take that literally. If it said "Jonah lived in the belly of a great fish for three days and three nights"-that is just what it means.
It says what it says, it means what it means.

Answer 7

The Bible has many metaphorical verses, it has many figures of speech. This why there are tools to help the reader to understand the Bible, to take the words to their original meaning.
This is one: The Strong's Concordance:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/search.html

It really not that difficult. People make it difficult.
I don't know if you are a Christian or anything else. But, if you want to understand Christianity, or, even if you want to understand the Bible I suggest this website.
It is very helpful when it comes to understanding the Bible.

Check it out:
http://www.shepherdschapel.com/

Have an open mind if you truly want to learn the Bible.

I hope this helps.

Answer 8

The bible contains
History
Proverbs
Songs
Parables
Basic truths
Metaphores

In a lot of cases when you find something "wrong" you are not reading the verse in context or you are applying 20th century culture to ancient history. Slavery back then was not like it was in america it was a form of employment

Answer 9

My opinion on the bible is that it was written by a human hand right, well I think it's a creation for people who are afraid of what might or could be. Instead of fearing what "Might" happen or "could" exist they worship it. I think that evolution was the way we came to be.

Answer 10

It's like politics. They use what serves the purpose for their own gain. They use verses with out knowing the story! for example. Read any story in your Local News paper. read only one sentence. Does that sentence have all the info from that story?
If it does, I'd be Surprised. We must look at both sides of issues not just one speck of info. BB Sdw