Any Christians who believe in a non-literal interpretation of the bible?

Question

I've wanted to know how you feel about two things for a long time.

Do you feel how christianity is represented in the mainstream is accurate?

Do you feel included as part of mainstream christianity or outside of it?

Do fundies hassle you?

(ok, three things)

Answer 1

(1) No, true Christianity is pure charity which is not boastful and tends to work in private and in person, not for public show or credit. So very little of the true meaning and work in Christ is publicly acknowledged. It is not intended to be public either, not yet. First everyone must establish it on a personal level, and then I think it will become collectively established globally.
It takes so much inner work, most people are still working privately to be fully prepared. It is very humbling indeed.

(2) Outside. I believe that Christ fulfills natural laws, as well as the divine laws in the Bible, so that Buddhism, the Constitution and all other systems will become fulfilled the same way in Christ. Most people don't understand or teach that, especially Christians and others taught the opposite, that Christianity is exclusive. Good News is that one Christian preacher, Carlton Pierson has come out with a book on the Gospel of Inclusion, railing against this false judging and excluding of other people, including atheists, gays, etc., from God's salvation. I think his book is called "God is Not a Christian" and he has a website where he has gotten great responses from all over the world, from different groups.

(3) Some fundamental Christians have trouble with what I say, but I equally threaten anyone with a resistance to the idea that different groups and religions can all reconcile in Christ. I think I trouble more people than they trouble me. They would more likely complain that I am the hassle!

(4) And yes, I believe the Bible represents the history of all humanity, so of course it has to be symbolic and not literal in order to include the universal process from beginning to end.
It can mean as specific as you need it to be, to gain some meaning and application from it, and as broad. Because each person's life is a microcosm of the world (man is created in the image of God) of course every local application has a global meaning as well. It is all interconnected on both levels in Christ. These things do not contradict each other, but prove universal, all-inclusive truth.

Answer 2

"Any Christians who believe in a non-literal interpretation of the bible?"
Yes and no. It depends on the scripture text and context.
Jesus came, died and rose from the dead.-literal
A sower went to sow some seeds...- parabolic
Make a serpent out of brass - type (foreshadow)
A beast with 10 horns rose out of the waters - allegorical

"Do you feel how christianity is represented in the mainstream is accurate?"
Hardly. When they want an opinion, they go to the most religious looking person they can find. Or maybe some "scholar" who doesn't know jack.

"Do you feel included as part of mainstream christianity or outside of it?"
I'm in SoCal, so I feel pretty included. But there are many that call themselves Christian who are just playing a part. Jesus is not inside them as Lord and Savior. He is just the figurehead of their religion.

"Do fundies hassle you?"
I am a fundie. I believe in the fundamental teachings of the Bible. You are stereotyping.

Answer 3

Well, I'm not. But my father is what you describe, and I happen to know enough from talking to him to be able to answer. He does not feel mainstream christianity is acurate. We've both read up on the history of Christianity, and realized that there were a lot of "Christian" groups that differed greatly in their interpretation. One eventually won out, but he believes it was the incorrect one.

He does not feel included in mainstream christianity at all. Fundies do not hassle him because he shares his beliefs with very few people.

Answer 4

My biggest problem is with the 'pick and choosers'. Literal one minute.... and you know the rest. I am pretty progressive with my worldview, and I think my views get picked apart an awful lot. I also feel environmental issues and health care are mentioned less than they should. If God made the earth in seven days then we should do a better job at preserving it. I also believe Christians should attempt to understand other religions before they pass judgment. I have been called a sinner more times than I can count but it takes a sinner to recognize one. I am upfront with my ideas and many try to cloud the issues by passing judgment on others(me). I am OK with that. My skin is thick and I have a sense of humor.

Answer 5

No. I believe that the minority of us (the crazy fundies) have completely ruined the public's view of the majority.

As for mainstream Christianity, it depends on what is mainstream. Is TBN mainstream? Then my answer is no. Is RELEVANT magazine mainstream? Then yes. Vacation Bible School? Yes. Door-to-door? No. Country churches? Yes. "Dr." Kent Hovind? No.

Yes, fundies tell me that Satan has ahold of me, and that I should be more bold about my beliefs.

Answer 6

1. Christianity is mostly attacked and condemned in the Drive By Media.
2. I am outside the mainstream. Today's church has too many changes being made to accomodate their doctrine.
3. Does the truth bother you or enhance you?

Choose wisely.

Answer 7

1) No

2) Both. For instance, the bible says the Sabbath is on the 7th day but mainstream Christianity worships on Sunday. Even though I'm aware of the history behind that (Constantine) what can I do about it? I have to go to church because the bible says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves with other believers. Also, I want to praise God and hear the word of God preached because it helps me to stay on track with God.

3) Only on Yahoo Answers.

Answer 8

No, I don't believe the mainstream representation is accurate, I feel outside of it by choice, and I am a "fundie", also if your a Christian why would you stereotype fundimental Chistians?

Answer 9

Hello,

I think the Bible's wording is a little strange at times(I have the French version of the Bible, maybe French language is strange) but I think the basic lessons Jesus teaches are enjoyable :)

I'm not sure what a fundie is, but I hope they have treated you kindly.

Answer 10

the mainstream application is ridiculous. I read between the lines for the spiritual metaphors and ignore the teachings of the church