2007-02-06 08:39:56 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Bible is not literally true. Even the nuns in my catholic high school knew and taught us that! I'm not catholic by the way.
Parts of the Bible are literally true, the parts that are meant to be historical accounts of events (like the story of the birth of Jesus, the crusifiction story, etc.).
But other parts are pieces of poetry meant to worship, celebrate, or mourn with (like the Psalms and Song of Solomon). There are some stories--like the parables Jesus told--that are meant to teach a lesson. There wasn't necessarily a Good Samaritan or a woman who gave her last nickle to the church--the stories just illustrate the benefit of caring for the poor and tithing.
Finally, some stories--like the creation story are--myths (literal definition) that were made up in order to illustrate the beliefs of the religion or faith of the writer. Most religions back when Genesis was written believed in many gods, some of whom were evil, who created humans, who were also evil. The creation story in the Bible emphasizes One God. It also repeats "It is good" to emphasize to the pagans that they believed the earth was good, people were good, etc. Obviously no one knows what God was doing or saying when he created the world, how many days it took, etc. The story is symbolic.
Additionally, many instructions and anecdotes in the Bible were written in different situations to vastly different cultures. Those lessons (like that women can't pray in church and must cover their heads) don't have to be taken literally in every culture. You have to interpret a little bit and consider the purpose of the instruction given the time period. If you live somewhere where, socially, a man is going to be tempted and scandalized and distracted by a woman with no head covering, then you should cover your head out of respect for others. If you live in modern day USA, you should not worry about a head covering--you should just take the lesson in modesty and not wear booty shorts and a cleavage top.
2007-02-06 09:01:33 · answer #1 · answered by lizzgeorge 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kreacher God would not could have faith in something for he's familiar with all and sees all. yet to respond to your question.. The Bible has components that are symbolically interpreted and actually interpreted, It relies upon on what e book of the bible you're examining. The e book of revelations has a lot of symbolic or metaphorical type meanings in it.. There are different books that have literal meaning to the words.. The gospels have some metaphorical meaning incredibly the parables of Jesus. yet this is a given in the very call its self " Parable " wish that spoke back your question.. God bless you !
2016-10-01 12:59:52 · answer #2 · answered by dorais 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both. But mostly it's literal. The Bible is filled with poems and songs and parables. All of which are largely metaphorical. YOU HAVE TO READ EVERYTHING IN THE BIBLE IN CONTEXT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE WRITER OR PERSON IS SAYING. There were over 40 writers you know, do you think they all wrote the same?
2007-02-06 08:50:53 · answer #3 · answered by Alien51 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Metaphorical. Anyone that believes it is a literal document isn't faithful, they're an idiot.
Example - Adam and Eve had two sons, but no daughters. How in the world could we have descended from two brothers?
2007-02-06 09:29:18 · answer #4 · answered by Mike S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Psalm 19:7
Gods word is perfect.
But I'm atheist and the bible is made to be taking metaphorically, Jesus wants us to eat his flesh and drink his blood- this is a metaphor for accepting him
He also walked of water- this is a metaphor for being a good swimmer
2007-02-06 08:56:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible should be interpreted as allegorically as possible. A literal interpretation turns it into a dead document, recounting the meaningless adventures of long-dead people. If I can't see how a story or teaching applies to me, it's a waste of time.
2007-02-06 08:49:14 · answer #6 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
doctrines know of neither!
literal is full on conflicting passages
metaphorical alludes to pagan and gnostic influences, as well as ancient stories found in other cultures that predate the bible
jesus was a messiah who failed
paul was a christian who invented the same and was rejected by followers of jesus for advocating departure of Judaism or orthodox teachings
people today are ill informed followers of dogmas they know nothing about
2007-02-06 08:47:07 · answer #7 · answered by voice_of_reason 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many parts are literal and many parts are allegorical. The first step in accurate and valid exegesis is knowing which is which. And the inability to do so has spawned hundreds of unauthorized manmade denominations.
2007-02-06 08:45:30 · answer #8 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe the same as God does.
The Bible is 100% literal Truth.
2007-02-06 08:43:14 · answer #9 · answered by Chef Bob 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
KJV only but you can't take all of the bible literally because Jesus spoke in parables and you can't take it word for word
2007-02-06 08:44:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋