How important is it for "you" to decipher the parables?

Answer 1

Parables were one of the rhetorical devices Jesus used in his teaching. If they have any value at all, then looking at underlying meanings is where you will find it.

I'm an atheist, but making sense of Jesus' parables is worthwhile to me firstly because there's often some useful wisdom contained in them, and secondly because Christianity has been a major historical force in developing the culture I've grown up in.

I don't believe in pagan gods either, but understanding the Greek myths is important to me for the same reasons: they help me make sense of my culture.

If you can't decipher Jesus' parables then there are many everyday expressions of our culture that won't make any sense to you. What is a "good Samaritan" or a "talent" or a "prodigal son"?

Answer 2

Parables are not to be deciphered but are an aid to help with the understanding of difficult princilpes or otherwise, Jesus used parables to explain these difficult things, so he used situations and items that would be common and understood by those He spoke to.

JB

Answer 3

That would depend upon how important spiritual growth is to you. The whole concept that God gave us in His Word is that after a spiritual birth you are a spiritual baby,and just like a natural baby you need to grow. You do that by feeding on God's Word an a regular basis. If you just feed on candy and sugar you will be weak and useless for work, but as you grow and mature on solid meat, you become strong in your faith and useful to God as a workman. Jesus made it clear that the parables were there to contain things that were hidden to the average person but open to those who had "ears to hear" the Spirit of God and were seeking for the deeper truths from God. The prophecies of the last days warn us the in the end people will not endure sound teaching but will want to have "their ears tickled" . Today you go to church and pastors seem to think they have to be comedians or dynamic story tellers, or musical superstars in order to keep the people coming. Deep Bible teaching is gone just as the Bible predicted.

Answer 4

you don't have to, read on. they're all explained. the bible taken literally, is easily understood. It means what is said, the parables and metaphorical writings are explained, except for thoughs that won't be understood till the time comes, some till the end times. too many try interpreting the bible. causing confusion in people. I suppose thats why we have so many religions, cults, christian infighting, and group around one religious leader or another because they like the interpretation. do not be decieved, read the truth and belive with you heart what you know is right.

Answer 5

Understanding a parable is like meeting yourself. Your old friends but haven't seen each other for awhile. Like what was lost now is found. Or seeing with clear eyes. It's aways wonder-full. Thanks.

Answer 6

I do not find it very important, but I am sure it is to some!

http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/gosthom.html

Answer 7

There is no "you"