It's not whether the Bible is true or not that's important, it's HOW it's true. It's true METAPHORICALLY, but true nonetheless. It's an understanding of truth that is simply difficult for the scientifically-informed Western mind to grasp. Though the Bible is true, it's not true, literally. For example, The stories couch the substance of the literature. It's the themes that are important. For example, between the virgin birth story and the torrid tale of crucifixion, a person is represented who had a revolutionary message about the Reign of God...no more oppression; no injustice; no inequality and it is ever-emerging in our midst. In fact, he called it "at hand;" or "within reach." Now we get to talk about what that means and grow into it as a human community. Unfortunately religion has made it even more difficult by killing the man's message. Every time Jesus speaks up to "preach good news to the poor, heal the broken-hearted and proclaim liberty to the captives," the church drowns him out with literal interpretations of the stories that were only only written so he would be held higher than all others and everyone would, then, hear his message.
2006-10-27 10:59:23 · 8 answers · asked by ? 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
when i read the bible , i read it in the way you have mentioned
and it is a fantastic read and very educational and enlightening xx
2006-10-27 11:06:02 · answer #1 · answered by Peace 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'll always acknowledge that the Bible has some use.
The tales of selfless sacrifice (especially with the parables of Jesus) do hold some wisdom in them.
I won't say the Bible is "true." At least not to the extent that the events actually happened. It's unlikely that a burning bush talked or that the world was flooded. But the reader can walk away with some appreciation of the truth that being kind to other people is a good way to live.
In essence, the Bible is about as true as the Koran, the Iliad, and various other works of literature--you can gain truth from them, but it won't tell you the truth.
2006-10-27 18:01:46 · answer #2 · answered by Rev Kev 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
While I believe there are things that speak in symbolism (i.e. the book Song of Solomon is a book about sexual intimacy, yet there is a lot of symbolism used), I also believe there are many very literal things in the Bible. The Bible does need to be looked at in its context, however...by not only reading one verse and taking that literally, but looking at the surrounding passage and see just who and why it was being said. For example, people wildly misuse the "do not judge" passage, without realizing that Christ actually specifically said it was ok to judge with a righteous judgment. People cannot and should not pick and choose which parts of the Bible they are going to believe. Either you believe in it wholly or not at all...it's one entire book, not a book meant to pick the parts you want and throw out the ones you don't.
I do, however, disagree with your statement that it's not important whether the Bible is true or not. If that's not important, then your entire "question" (or statement, rather) means nothing.
2006-10-27 18:07:10 · answer #3 · answered by Mary K 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What you claim is "true", sounds very subjective. It's not about arriving at truth. Anyone could arrive at any truth based on what they feel and how they think. A million people could equal a million different truths. So there must be one absolute truth, an OBJECTIVE truth. If not, then there is no truth at all, just peoples opinions.
What you should consider is how your idea of truth measures up to what the bible teaches about truth. Try the comparrison, using the bible as the objective truth and see how your ideas of truth measure up. I am not doing this to be-little you in any way. If this was face to face dialogue it would sound different.
Have you read the bible? Please try it with an open heart. You obviously sound like a intellectual person by the way you analyzed truth. But the message of the bible does not appeal so much to the mind, but it speaks truth to the heart (Hebrews 4:12). Please try it earnestly.
2006-10-27 18:14:05 · answer #4 · answered by Gafs 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not true literally? That's rather dogmatic. What do you base that conclusion on?
If it's not true, then why would you quote an imaginary Jesus? or worry about the church drowning him out? If it's not true, then how can we be sure the themes are even worth spending time on?
2006-10-27 18:02:04 · answer #5 · answered by jewel_flower 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Everthing in the Bible is true. iT CAN'T BE KIND OF TRUE it's just the truth. Nothing can be kind of true only it can be true or a lie, and the Bible for one is all so true.
2006-10-27 18:08:05 · answer #6 · answered by Shas 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
2 Peter 1:20 - Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2 Peter 1
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 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 Ghost.
2006-10-27 18:06:55 · answer #7 · answered by deacon 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
nice ad--what was your question?
2006-10-27 18:06:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋