Christians: How do u tell which books of the bible should be taken literally while taking others as myth?

Answer 1

None of them are myth. Some are simpy historical in nature while the others are details of what is to come or what was happening around the time of it's writing.

Answer 2

None of the Bible is a myth. Some can be taken "figuratively" which is not a "myth" and it's easy to determine what is literal and what is figurative. We do this any time we read anything. If we read a news paper, and it says there is a big storm coming, we know, this is to be taken literally..... if it says "it will be raining cats and dogs" we know it is to be taken figuratively, to say it will be heavy rain.

"four corners of the earth" is figurative exactly the way we use it figuratively now. To mean every area, but "The Gospel will be preached in all nations" is literal.

Answer 3

As others have already said, none of the Bible is meant to be taken as "myth" if by myth you mean made-up or fairy tale.

There are some places which the Bible does not mean to be taken literally. This can be confusing to someone unfamiliar with the the Bible, but a student of Scripture can sort it out pretty easily after getting to know the Bible a bit.

A few examples of non-literal passages:

Parables: Christ used parables as one of His main methods of teaching advanced theology to ordinary folk. Parables are basically short stories about everyday things that are allegorical, representing spiritual issues. The story of the Prodigal Son is a well-known example. On the surface it is about a boy and his father but the true meaning is about God, humans, and forgiveness. The people to whom Christ spoke understood these parables for what they were and didn't take them literally - we should as well.

Prophesy and Visions: Often information about the future was given in the form of visions. Somewhat like parables, these visions took the form of concrete, everyday objects that were symbols for something else, something more abstract or spiritual. These types of passages are most often found in the old testament but the final book of the Bible, Revelation, is full of this symbolic prophecy. Often these visions were interpreted for the benefit of both the people of the time and readers of the Bible today. An example: Joseph had a dream in which seven fat ears of corn were devoured by seven sickly ones, and seven fat cows were devoured by seven scrawny ones. God also gave Joseph the meaning of this vision - seven years of abundance would be followed by seven years of extreme famine. In Revelation, the symbology is not explained, which has caused confusion among new readers and many arguments among Christians as to the true meaning. Some people write the book off as impossible to understand until after it's prophecies come to pass, but many of the symbols are used in the same way throughout the Bible, like stars = angels, and dragon/serpent = Satan.

Hebrew idioms and "figures of speech" : Usually fairly obvious, these may pop up in the midst of literal historical accounts. Like "I have raised up a horn for Israel" - "horn" represented strength in the ancient world, and such a statement meant God had providentially strengthened and protected Israel. When someone says the Lord defeated their enemies "with His flashing sword" or "with a mighty outstretched right arm" this is a figure of speech - God is not a physical being. These are especially common in songs and poems found in the Bible.

Anyway, this'll get you started. Crack open your Bible!

Answer 4

Most Christians will tell you that they are all to be taken literally. So, in the book of Ephesians, when the author is talking about his coat, which was left at a friends house, and would like someone to bring it to him, they will say that is the word of God. Ridiculous.

Answer 5

Myth:

1. a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, esp. one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature.

The media has done a wonderful job of distorting the meaning of myth.

Mostly, common sense. For example, the "Gospel of Mary Magdelene" says that jesus said women can only go to heaven if they change into men.

Are you kidding me? Would Jesus say that?

No.

Answer 6

None of the Books in the Bible are myth, all are the True Word of God. The Holy Spirit enables us to discern the practical and spiritual degree and application of the Word in our daily life. All of the Word is a Lamp unto our feet. And in this way, we know what paths to follow and where to find Him, whom our hearts long for. One must practice prayer, penance, and almsgiving or works of mercy, to know His Word.

Answer 7

why would the bible be taken as myth? It's all taken literally.

Answer 8

I take none as "myth". But Holy Tradition (i.e., the "Church, which gave us Holy Scriptures in the first place) teaches us which should be taken literally and which should be taken as allegories.

Pax vobiscum.

Answer 9

- I personally take the Bible in a more metaphorical sense than literally; very few parts I take literally but I think there is symbolism in it

Answer 10

Well... anyone who takes Adam and Eve literally is an idiot. If Christians are so against Homosexuality, why do they open their arms to the incest Adam and Eve created?