Why are Christians fond of Selective Interpretation of Bible?

Question

Whenever Christians want to convince us of the truth of their religion they will quote from the Bible, believing as they do, that every word in the Bible is literally true. But when we quote from the Bible to prove that their religion is primitive, silly or illogical (e.g. that smoke comes out God's nose and fire comes out of his mouth, Ps 18:7-8; or that donkeys can talk, Num 22:28) the Christian will say: "That's symbolic, it is not meant to be taken literally." Christians are very selective in how they interpret the Bible. Some passages are 'God's word' and literally true and other parts, usually the embarrassing parts, are not meant to be taken literally. Either the Bible is God's infallible word or it is not, one cannot pick and choose. And if indeed some passages are meant to be taken literally and others are not, how do Christians decide? If the stories about Balaam's donkey talking, Adam and Eve eating the apple, or Moses turning his stick into a snake are not meant to be taken literally, perhaps too, the stories about Jesus' resurrection are only symbolic and not meant to be taken literally.

Need Symbolic Interpretation too???
Are There Mistakes in the Bible?

We have seen previously that there are many mistakes in the Bible but we will have a look at three more examples of its inaccuracies. Today, even schoolchildren know that the earth moves; it moves on its axis and at the same time it moves around the sun. We also know that the tectonic plates on the earth's surface move also. The Bible however, clearly states that the earth does not move. In 1 Chronicles 16:30 the Bible says, "The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved." (See also Ps 93:1, 96:10 and 104:5).

Here, and in many places, the Bible contradicts scientific fact. Moreover the Bible does not just contradict scientific fact it also contradicts itself. Let us have a look at the creation story. In the first book of the Bible it says that God created all the plants and trees on the third day (Gen 1:11-13), all birds, animals and fish on the fifth day (Gen 1:20-23) and finally, man and woman on the sixth day (Gen 1:26-27). Yet a little further on the Bible gives a different version of the creation story saying that God created man first (Gen 2:7), then all plants and trees (Gen 2:9), after that all birds and animals (Gen 2:19) and only then did God create woman (Gen 2:21-22). These two versions of the creation story clearly contradict each other.

Now let us have a look at the story of Noah's Ark. In one place in the Bible we are told that Noah took two of every animal and put them in the ark (Gen 6;19). Later the Bible says Noah took seven pairs of all clean animals and birds and two of all other creatures and put them in the ark (Gen 7:2). Again the Bible is contradicting itself Christians will object to this saying that these and the numerous other mistakes in the Bible are only small and of no significance. However, only one mistake is required to show that the Bible is not infallible. Also, if mistakes can be made in small matters they can be made in important matters. And, finally, one mistake is proof either that the Bible is not the word of God or that God is capable of mistakes.

Answer 1

the bible is does not contradict itself. given proper study those "mistakes" can be rationally resolved.....it would take some study of course....
like you said either it is or it isnt.... more than 300 phropecies foretold in the bible have been fulfilled. one king was predicted by name hundreds of years before his birth. seek sincerely. but lets address one of your purported "contradictions":

1 chronicles 16:30 (your qoute was inaccurate) here is how it reads:
fear before him, all the earth: the world also SHALL be stable, that it be not moved.

the sentence is future tense, referring to redemption of the world.your contradiction was in your misqouting of the bible. should I continue......? THE BIBLE is truth if you dont believe it let it be what does it matter then... as for me peoples souls depend on me so i carry on. lets look at genesis 6:19 and 7:2
what is seemingly a contracition is brought to truth when when carefull studied.

the first scripture refers to GOds command to preserve all animal kind.by having a male and female of every sort to ensure their survival. in gen 7:2 the command is referring to animals fit for food that is the meaning of the word "CLEAN" it was probably meant that they were to bring enough animals good for eating to last the time that would be spent in the ark..... CONRADICTIONS REFUTED, THE BIBLE IS THE INFALLIBLE WORD OF GOD

Answer 2

Some Christians quote verses literally (protestants) while others look at the bible as a whole and understand that some parts are symbolic (Catholics).

You percieve selective interpretation because you recieve answeres from both divisions of Christianity.

Answer 3

Well, to be honest, this really isn't much of a question. I kinda got bored and stopped reading after the first paragraph.

Obviously, you don't believe in the bible, and I assume you are an atheist...There really is one thing I never could understand about atheists...Why is it they sound so much like the Christians. Always trying to convert everyone to their way of thinking. Alway so bothered by anyone who thinks differently. Sounds downright religious.

I can only say, As long as the smoke from Bob's pipe reaches heaven, we are all safe.

Praise Bob!

Answer 4

Selective interpretation is the only way they can justify fervently believing such nonsense in the 21st century. It's the same for any religion holding onto a book that's more than a thousand years old.

Answer 5

2pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Answer 6

Jesus establish Sacred Tradition (Jesus actions to give Grace), the Authoritative Church leaders, before the Bible was composed. Each of these branches must not conflict with each other to be authentic interpretation.

At least that is how Catholics see it.

Answer 7

Thanks for the sermon. ;) The Bible has been handed down orally which leaves plenty room for mistakes. I have no doubt that when King James had the Bible translated that there were mistakes made. I think we get our different religions from selective interpretation.

Answer 8

Because people like to hide behind religion and use it as a shield. If It gets me into heaven, I'll believe. But if it's a talking donkey, that's nonsense.

Answer 9

It's just one of God's mysteries.



Just kidding. I wanted to see if it felt good to blow off someone's question like that. It kinda did. I could almost picture you tearing your hair out at an answer like that. I agree with you and would like to know the answer to your questions as well.

Answer 10

Islam has nothing embarassing to say as everything in it is true. I just don't understand that why do some Christians or whatever they are mocking and saying rude comments about Islam. Islam is true. They just couldn't see it.