If the bible is an inspired work of non-fiction created for the benefit of our knowledge...?

Question

Then why is is written using devices found in fictional literature and not as a manual or guide book?

If we are all supposed to understand it the same way and use it's principles to shape our lives why is it subject to such varying interperetation?

You would think an all-powerful god would be able to get his point across clearly and succinctly.

Answer 1

the bible douse not benefit knowledge it holds back the human race with its out dated laws and fairy tales

Answer 2

So that simple minds could understand His Mysteries, while self-important "educated idiots" would "stumble around in the dark, claiming to be in the light (enlightened)", that's why. And believe me, from what I've been reading among some of these answers, there truly are a lot of educated idiots out there, those who "claim to be wise but have no wisdom in them".
The truth is, the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written in such a way that even children can understand it. Actually, especially so children can understand it. Parables--stories, if you will--are literary devices used to teach something. It's not so strange, if you think about it. And incidentally, the attitudes of some of you "answering" out there needs adjusting. This is supposed to be a site of intelligent, polite discussion that enables people to get answers to questions--in other words, information, not your opinion. This is not your debate forum. Start your own website for that. Thank you.

Answer 3

Have you ever experienced the effects of giving the exact same instructions to more than five people?
If so, you will know that, as humans, we sometimes hear what we want to hear.
Religious or not, this is a fact.
So, whether one believes the Bible or other so-called holy books are really messages from another plane of existence, one should at the very least acknowledge the human factor as regards interpretation!

I personally think that the key to comprehending the Bible is diligence in study. Utilization of corroborating reference books such as interlinears and concordances, help to isolate and eliminate prejudicial interpretation.

Answer 4

Then why is is written using devices found in fictional literature

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I don't know about your termonology, but it's to help us understand it.
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and not as a manual or guide book?
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It is a guide book:

Step 1. Accept the gift of salvation God gave freely and be saved!

Simple enough..
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If we are all supposed to understand it the same way and use it's principles to shape our lives why is it subject to such varying interperetation?
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We're not. God teaches people in individual ways; hence, a PERSONAL relationship with God.

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Answer 5

It was written in the language of that day and region Hebrew and Greek. Man is the one who wants to reshape what GOD said. Satan has been an influence on people that do such things and for people like yourself. I hope that you are able to read, study, and obey HIS WORD so that you will be safe at the Judgment. I pray that you too will obey HIS WORD, the BIBLE! Have a great day.
Eds

Answer 6

Fiction.

Answer 7

Much of it is written according to the teaching methods of the day. The problem is you are not familiar with them (parable, anyone?) and want a toaster manual instead. Well, sorry.

Answer 8

To speak to humans, He had to use human language. His words were then translated by humans with some strange ideas, and they read some of their ideas into the text. His name is YHVH and His Son's name is YHVH is my Savior-- hence YAHOSHUA. The Almighty promised that if you were choosing to be obedient, He would make His word clear. How much more could you ask for???

Answer 9

Its just a book of fiction.

Answer 10

He has He gave us the Bible!. Now have we humans messed things up a bit sure but, that doesn't prove that our Father is imperfect it proves that we are imperfect.