Do you really take the bible literally?

Question

I think it's a great story and all teaches good morals (sometimes) but I just can't take it literally. Really it's all symbolism in my opinion. It does freak me out when people think it's real.

Answer 1

If you don't believe it's real...I don't know what to tell you..

Laws, principals, and morals are all based off the commandments of the Lord..
Don't Kill
Don't Steal
Don't Covet
etc.....
where do you think they came from?

Answer 2

Sometimes it does teach morality, but sometimes it's a bit mean.

Read the Bible from a historical-critical lens, and you will get more out of it, even though it take a lot of extra study because you have to understand the original context and how the texts were formed.

So, no, I don't read the Bible as one complete literal narrative!


* * *

Allen, morality existed before the Bible ever came into being. All of those rules were written down by other people in different cultures before the Torah was put together.

Answer 3

Dear Carrie,

All the historical events in the Bible are true and trustworthy. The Bible tells us that Christ spoke in parables (Mark 4:33, 34). The entire Bible is Christ's word because He is God. Therefore, you must follow 1 Corinthians 2:13 in order to begin to understand the Gopsel meaning of these verses.

Answer 4

I'm not a Christian but I agree with you. In my opinion, when people take the events literally and try to explain how they actually, physically happened, then they're missing the point of the stories. It's the teachings and message behind the stories, not the historical accuracy of them.

Answer 5

I do believe that the Old Testament is a historically accurate book following the generations of the Israelites series of exiles and returns to nationhood, as well as depicting the relationship they had with their God. I do believe that he is the only living God, not made of iron, or stone, or wood, but one who was and is and is to come. I believe the New Testament is an accurate depiction of the life and ministry of Christ, who I believe is Gods son, and that he rose again from the dead, and that it also depicts the early Christian church and that it is essential to the faith of every Christian to study the teachings found within.

Answer 6

well to them it's real becuase god told them so now being realistic i don't think that everything that was said is true as there are alot of things in the bible that don't sound realistic at all i'm agnostic by the way and you don't need the bible or any holy book to know right from wrong your parents teach you that growing up and you just use reason logic and common sense and empathy and there you go

Answer 7

I think a lot both literal and symbolic stuff is in there. You've got to read it with a bit of discerning mind.

But I think you're on the right track, what really matters most when reading the scriptures, is for each of us as individuals to pull out the lessons and apply them to our lives.

thanks.

Answer 8

It is real, and it is 100% true, but not all of it is written in the same style.

People continue to disagree on the specifics.

Answer 9

No. Anyone that believes it is the Word of God is deluded and greatly underestimates the real God. A lot of what is written in it is based on things that really happened, but they have been greatly misinterpreted and misunderstood by the authors and readers alike.

Answer 10

People get lost in story surrounding truth... then the story becomes truth... and the truth the story points to is lost.

Words can never communicate truth, few understand this.