is the bible to be read literally or figuratively?

Answer 1

it is to be read as it was meant to be read. not all of it is figurative, not all of it is literal. read it like you were reading any other book

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http://www.answersingenesis.org

Answer 2

It's been my experience that the clergy at large will use some verses in the literal sence and some figuratively, depending on the point they're trying to make, or the message they're trying to drive home in a sermon. Sometimes they'll use the same verse, both ways, if they're trying to make two different points in two different sermons.

If you try and read the Bible and take it literaly it wont be long before you'll be attending atheist meetings.

The Bible was written such a long time ago, and the version we have in most of our homes is a third-generation translation. So not only have some of the ideals and images the original Bible writers put into verse changed, in meaning since they were written, but some of the content has inevitably suffered from the translations.

So, if one must read the Bible I'd have to say view the text as figurative and metaphorical. Unless you're reading, and somehow understanding the original text.

Answer 3

The best answer I can give is to take a quote from my book "The Plain Truth About God-101" (what the church doesn't want you to know!)

**At the end of the first century C.E. The “Alexandrian School of Thought,” of which Origin and Clement of Alexandria were part, taught that there were three possible approaches to be taken to the scriptures. (That there were already discussions of this magnitude and significance tells us a lot of the early Christian movement.)

The first approach was the literal translation, the second was symbolic, or allegorical, and the third was spiritual.

The first (the literal) was described as simplistic and solely for the un-educated. The second (symbolic) was the use of parables to convey a deeper meaning, and third (spiritual) was to transcend the mortal plane and bring us closer to God.

Unfortunately at that time, as now, the un-washed masses cried out for a ready-made, simplistic, popular faith. A faith that can best be described as closer to a romance novel than any serious attempt at theology, history and philosophy.

This is also the reason that the "Resurrection" was proclaimed as the basis for Christianity.

(It was a con thought up from ancient Greek mythology by Paul. He's the one responsible for the Christianity we have today. Not Jesus!)

This version of the "Faith," when combined with the Roman gift of organization and brute force, led to the "Christianity" that has been handed down to us.

It seems to be the consensus among New Testament scholars that "Jesus” preached a message that teaches a way of behaving and living that applied to a first century reality.

However, the words of "Christ" are another matter.

If the sayings and parables of "Christ" are examined closely with the purpose of separating those words that were actually uttered by “Jesus” from those that were later attributed to him, we see a vast difference in the context, meaning, and purpose between the two.

The sayings of “Christ” display a metaphorical and allegorical context that suggest someone slightly removed from the everyday world.

The biblical words of "Jesus," however, were indeed a direct reflection of their place and time. (Just as today, we are all products of our own time and age)

The actual sayings of the historical "Jesus,” which upon close examination shows only a handful of thoughts and parables, are so simple and basic, with such underlying truth, that they can be applied to the human condition of any age. -A.W.J.

Please, Please pay attention to this> It is probably the closest you will ever get to the truth behind Jesus and the whole religious thing.
Don't blindly accept what other people try and tell you, go and find out for youself.

"Faith" can very well turn out to be a flalse God!

Your Humble Scribe;
Allan W Janssen

Answer 4

Most of the Bible, figuratively (the symbolism of Revelation comes to mind.) A few times, literally. Usually the context will make it clear whether the passage is literal or figurative. If not, pray for wisdom and it will be made clear. The Bible is indeed the living word of God. There are times when I read a passage of scripture that I've read hundreds of times before, but that time it just speaks to me in a way I've never understood before. It's like I finally "get it".

Answer 5

It is both literal and figurative. It is literal at heart, but often figurative in syntax. If you were to take it literally word for word, than much of Genesis, Revelations and several other chapters make no sense. Also, you would have to admit everything Jesus said was a lie since he spoke in parables most of the time. Anyone who insists the Bible is not to be "interpreted" because the fallacy of man creeps in, doesn't know what he's talking about since we as humans cannot do anything BUT interpret everything we experience. There are thousands of people out there who firmly believe in their hearts they are taking every word of the Bible literally; but they STILL totally disagree with each other on many things. That's because everything we think we understand is a kind of unique interpretation in which we interject our own experience. The way I see it, God wants it that way. He did make us unique individuals didn't He? We aren't just robots that process everything the same way.

Answer 6

Assuming the authors of the Left in the back of sequence think of their memories are the top results of taking the Bible actually - they strayed from the path and crammed in with conjecture and unfastened interpretation of scripture and little better than that. The Bible of course states there is not any pretribulation rapture as basically one occasion. a number of their books shows its ok for Christians to objective and kill the Antichrist as properly because of the fact the Antichrists adult men.., lower back.., it fairly is a few thing greater in track with the Crusades mentality and not with the Christ mentality. The Bible must be taken actually - and comprehend there are parts that are purely representation cost.., no longer extremely an entire fledged "Figurative" line of concept, yet close. The Bible would not illustrate a Trinity - however the Left in the back of author's embody this Roman Catholic doctrine. those Authors are Baptists, i could upload. You cant weigh the Bible in line with somebody's fictional journey books which includes an injection of Biblical probably fake interpretation.

Answer 7

Literally!! Read Rev. 22:18 through Rev. 22:21!!

Answer 8

When it comes to christians, the bible is to be read in the manner that suits their purpose at any given time.

The bible is the perfect book for creating wiggle room on almost every subject without actually answering a single question.

Answer 9

Both....whenever you read the bible, there are three questions you have to ask yourself relating to that verse or verses:

1. Who is God talking to?
2. What is God talking about?
3. How does it relate to me?

Too many people interpret the bible the wrong way, therefore leaving them with a false depiction of the Word of God.

Answer 10

I personally see it as a piece of literature (I don't believe in it). Is just a story to me like a Greek mythology story. Today, they are people who want to place this book in the schools- nation wide. That is something to be concern about. Sooner or later, we gonna be doing some prayers of our own and read th bible for homeroom. It is up to the Supreme Court- mostly covered of Conservatives. Pretty scary, if you think about it. You really don't hear about this.

Answer 11

Both. It completely depends on the context of the passage being read. It's the same in any language. The reading and interpretation of any text is done through a complex science called hermenutics.

Lonnie Honeycutt, C.N.C.
http://www.betterlifetoday.com