I have read much scripture that has been posted in this forum over the last two months. The language is burdensome, obviously very dated, highly steeped in metaphor, and is very, very cumbersome to read. And I read a lot. So here's my question: Given the literary skills, or lack thereof, of most of the Bible proponents in this forum, how can they claim to understand the "truth" of these passages? I can't make heads or tails out of most of them.
2006-08-15 07:12:39 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's just their interpretation of the "truth."
The bible is a passionate narrative...that's all. Mixed with truth and exaggeration. I don't think it's meant to be taken literally, word for word.
2006-08-15 07:21:21 · answer #1 · answered by Jasmine Lily 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eagleflyer, this is exactly why God continues to periodically give us revelation. The language of the bible and many of the parables, metaphors and such were intended for the people of that time to understand. Much of it doesn't make sense to a 21st century intellect. Another reason he does so is to correct errors that have crept into our understanding of him through deliberate means or otherwise.
Perhaps you'd be interested to know that God has provided us a new epochal revelation in very recent times in the form of a book. This is the 5th epochal revelation he has given us, the 4th was in the person of Jesus. The Urantia Book was presented to us in the 20's and 30's and eventually published in 1955 by a foundation which was put together expressly for the publication and protection of this revelation. The Urantia Book is presented in modern english (as of the early 20th century) and it contains the most logical and comprehensive description of God that I have ever encountered. It marvelously weaves together science, philosophy and religion in an amazing tapestry. Part IV of the book also gives a narrative of the complete life and teachings of Jesus, covering the time from his birth to his death and resurrection in contrast to the mere 19 days or so that are portrayed in the christian bible. Give it a look. I think you may be surprised at what you find.
2006-08-15 14:33:23 · answer #2 · answered by Agondonter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the Holy Spirit of God to help you understand what the passages mean. There are still things in the Bible which I truly don't understand completely, especially things which Jesus said which seem confusing or contraidctory to me. And yet, I know God will reveal these deep meanings to me through the Holy Spirit at the time when I am ready to receive those revelations.
Just FYI: there are many different translations and versions of the Bible and some are definitely easier to understand than others e.g. the New International Version. Or try reading a Children's Bible (especially for Old Testament stories and episodes of Jesus' life and ministry).
2006-08-15 14:21:38 · answer #3 · answered by Trace Element 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question! The Bible was very difficult for me to understand at first as well. But when I read, I have to pray and ask God what he wants me to understand out of the passage and then I also look at the surrounding verses to ensure it is taken in context. It's not easy to understand the Bible.
But an analogy would be algebra. Not everyone can remember how to do those equations. But by practicing and studying you can understand the meaning of those equations. The same goes for the BIble. It's by reading the BIble regularly that you begin to understand the overall purpose of the Bible.
HOpe this helps!
2006-08-15 14:21:39 · answer #4 · answered by Searcher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order to truly understand the bible, then one must understand the literary skills and trends of the time that the book was written. In my literature classes we are taught to consider the times that the literature was written in.
I don't think that it is truly possible to understand the Bible because it has been transcribed by man so many times since it was originally written. In today's time, it is nearly impossible to understand the complexity of the phrases into a real meaning that could be understood in 2006.
2006-08-15 14:37:53 · answer #5 · answered by Fantasy Sarongs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll give you one to read that makes Christians run and hide. It is written simply and openly.
2nd Chronicles
Chapter 22
Verses 9, 10 & 11
The passages are not true but they put Christians in a bind. Either they admit Christ Jesus was not the son of GOD or they admit the bible was not inspired by GOD nor is it the word of GOD. They find this to be a difficult choice.
Vaya con DIOS
2006-08-15 14:29:55 · answer #6 · answered by chrisbrown_222 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have several different translations, they all say the same thing, just different ways of expressing, my favorite reading Bible is "The Message". When I am studying, I like to use the "Life Application Bible". Again, even though the words are modern, the truths, lessons, and meaning are the same. "The Message" is a thrilling bible to read, even Bono reads "The Message".. .
2006-08-15 14:25:34 · answer #7 · answered by Grandma Susie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really like KJV either but it seems that is what most of the people here want to use. I like the NAS for my personal reading because it flows so much better in English. It's still a word for word translation like the KJV just in more modern language...Jim
2006-08-15 14:21:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Holy D[pirit gives the interpratation. Read Romans 12:3.
2006-08-15 14:19:24 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If the only parts of Scripture you've read have been verses on this forum, then you've read only a very tiny portion of Scripture.
There are many different types of literary styles in Scripture -- a few verses cited on an Internet forum don't even begin to do it justice. I suggest reading more of Scripture for yourself.
2006-08-15 14:18:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋