if some parts of the bible are not to be taken literally, how do you know which parts?

Question

whenever someone points out some odd thing in the bible (like the slavery, the stoning, the list is large) some brave christian soul who in all other respects swears the bible is the word of god and eternal truth inevitably states 'ah, but that is not to be taken literally'

But how do you know which parts are explicit and true? Do you have a magic decoder ring the rest of us lack?

Answer 1

It's a lifelong process of discernment.

It's important to study the context in which the books were written, understand the different religious debates going on in the Israelite and early Christian community, as well as knowing what's going on in our own contexts (scientific, psychological, political trends) in order to interpret theological and ethical povs from the Bible.

The Book of Jonah is pretty easily understood to be a fiction--not only because of the whole fish-swallowing thing, but also because the conversion of Ninevah to worshipping the God of Israel, which did not happen historically.

Things like the resurrection of Jesus--whether or not it was a historical, physical reality, or a more metaphysical event or metaphorical literary device--are up for debate, and there's no clear answer--it just depends what you want to invest your faith in...same with the Exodus event.

Rabbis, Priests, Saints, Sinners, Theologians, Artists, Writers have debated the bible for generations. I say that's a good thing. Having a "God said it, I believe it, that settles it" attitude really doesn't do anybody any good...

Answer 2

You would need to read the original text in it's original language to even be able to understand what the author is trying to convey.

Most of what you hear from the average Christian (especially in the U.S) is more than likely to be incorrect than not.

The biggest reason is because of the translations available, and the limits of the English language. Then we have all these preachers/pastors actually telling people what THEY think it means, and the listeners actually believe these guys.

Interpretation of the bible is a very complex issue. Best thing anyone can do is understand the historical background, understand the author and his reasons for writing it, and understand that most of the books are political writings that are coded to protect the writer.

Problems arise when the average person tries to use their limited knowledge to understand what they are reading, or they think "God" will just give them the information.

Answer 3

its is all to be taken literally. Some customer are different from now to then so interruption is sometimes needed. Besides the language the bible was written in was mostly Greek. when converted into English the best word were used to match how we would understand it. Sometimes this causes confusion. Example. The eye of a Camala. Some thing that's like the eye of a needle, it's actually a gate that they tried to get a Camel through in those days, which was very very hard.

Answer 4

Because the Bible is comprised of different books and within each book (authored at different times in history) there are different forms of prose and poetry, including allegory. The Bible authors were not newspaper reporters nor were they scientists. If they write, "On the 7th day, God rested," does that literally mean God took a nap or took a vacation? God is all powerful and needs a "rest?"

Then you throw in centuries and varying translations, and how do you know EXACTLY what is the true meaning?

Answer 5

The slavery and the stoning are quite literal and I have never heard anyone say otherwise. They don't apply now because we are under a new covenant and in an age of grace. You take the Bible literally unless the literal rendering is untenable. Unfortunately many Christians don't take it literally once it becomes uncomfortable.

Answer 6

Depends on what you mean by "literal". More like the plain meaning rule for me. Christian fundamentalists get a lot of flack, but it only makes sense to assume that the writer said what he meant, and meant what he said. So what if Moses or Jesus said something embarrassing or something that is not politically correct for this day & age? Deal with it.

Bibical fundamentalism gets rid of all of theose subjective interpetations that give rise to all of those different denominations.

Answer 7

There's no magic to it. It's all about your agenda. If you want to prove that God is a bloody-minded murderer you flip to the page where God sends plagues and kills all the first borned or drowns the whole human race or has his son assassinated. If you want to prove that God loves everybody you flip to the parts where Jesus heals the sick and makes wine out of water.

Everybody cherry picks the bits they like in the bible and pretends the other stuff don't really count. It's all there and it's all good.

Answer 8

I believe the whole book cannot be taken literally. You should use your own judgement, and see what makes sense to you.

Otherwise, God would not have 'granted' you *free will*. It would be such a waste of a great gift (free will) to literally follow the book without using what God 'gave' you. Had God wanted humans to just follow the book, he would not have given you free will.

Answer 9

You must do your best. That's why spirituality is not one of those easy things that you can just pick up and go. It is a commitment of the mind and spirit to understand. And true religion requires mystery, humility and doubt.

It's just the same when talking to people. Sometimes they are being sincere, but at other times they are sarcastic, or are talking in metaphors, trying to make a point. How do you know then? But obviously you can manage to navigate social life. Why should spirituality be any easier?

Answer 10

Jesus said,"I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. "