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2007-01-31 05:01:47 · 10 answers · asked by mullah robertson 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
St. Thomas Aquinas taught that we should always "look for the literal" exegesis where possible. And never discount the allegorical. This is the Thomist way.
I'll go with what he said. He is a great saint and knows far better than I.
2007-01-31 05:11:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is simple. Some parts of the bible are literal and some are allegorical. We need to take the literal parts literally and take the allegory parts allegorically. Remember when Jesus spoke in parable he was always making a very clear statement for those who have ears to hear.
2007-01-31 13:13:30 · answer #2 · answered by handsomeworshipper 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jesus accepted the Torah as literal, we should also.
Jesus taught by using parables so that we would use a different part of our mind to interpret his teachings, and so that we would not turn what he said into something he never implied. [We do enough of that already!]
2007-01-31 13:15:41 · answer #3 · answered by Jay Z 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus' parables were symbolic; When he taught or preached not in parables, he was being literal.
Parable: You can move mountains with faith.
Actual teaching: No one comes to the Father except through Me.
2007-01-31 13:11:08 · answer #4 · answered by Doug 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus spoke in parables sometimes when He was teaching, but He told them it was . When He put things in perspective it helped the people under the teaching better.
2007-01-31 13:22:42 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When one reads a historical account, should you not take it literally? When you read a poetic account, shouldn't you read it poetically? When you read satire, shouldn't you read it with humor?
The same goes with the Bible. There are parts that are historical. There are parts that are legal. There are parts that are allegorical. There are parts that are poetic. You read them in the manner of the style.
Oh, I like what Father K said. Kudos!
2007-01-31 13:15:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
His name was YAHOSHUA, and He spoke in parables. (not allegory) And Yes Scripture is to be understood literally unless there is some reason to see it as being in figurative language.
2007-01-31 13:10:10 · answer #7 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because FAITH is what it takes to UNDERSTAND the BIble. And if you don't have that....your'e S. O. L. !!
2007-01-31 13:34:18 · answer #8 · answered by SLEDGE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to. You can take it any way you want. I consider it fiction.
2007-01-31 13:10:14 · answer #9 · answered by Dawn G 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because God said so!
2007-01-31 13:09:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋