Is this more or less a correct way of looking at the Bible?

Question

It's figurative when you need it to be and literal when you want it to be.

Answer 1

You know my view. It is a hundred percent accurate and truthful, but it is not always to be taken literally. For a lot of things (ie. Genesis 1, Noah's flood) the authors were working with the best knowledge they had at the time which overall isn't bad for a bunch of nomadic shepherds.

I'm still undecided about whether the story of Adam and Eve is literal or allegorical or what. I'll admit that.

Answer 2

The writers of the Bible used common literary devices of their time period. Parables, hyperbole, present tense storytelling -- these were all in common use. In order to be able to tell whether a passage should be taken literally or figuratively, you need to understand what the writer was trying to accomplish and what literary devices he was using.

Jesus used hyperbole for dramatic effect when He was talking about a "log" in someone's eye. He was being literal when He said that He would be killed and would rise from the dead on the third day. And He used a blend of metaphor and literal statements when He said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man cometh to the Father except through Me."

Hope that clears up any confusion.

Answer 3

no, most abuse the book and don't hold it correctly, that is the first major issue. just like any group, company, team, there are always bad seeds, can't judge all by the few.

easy way to explain the bible, remember that picture of the old hag and the young lady? look at it one way...see the old hag....look again, see the young lady. same with those 3-d posters that looked like nothing....but stare long enough and an image would appear.

Bible is same way.....most look at it and only see it as say the old hag....never realizing you can look at it and see a young lady as well. Once someone realizes the two sides, and see them, then the truth is reveled. That is where the line " you won't understand till you believe ". Bad choice of words in way, for it confuses. Should of been like..." once you see the other side or other story, then you will understand ".

Answer 4

I don't think there is. I mean, if you think about this, the Bible was written by men and there are many religions that have emerged from it. Which, to me it means that if everybody believes in the same one God, but most religions do not agree, then everybody interprets it their own way. They all claim they are right in what they believe; and who do we believe? What proof do we have that they are the RIGHT ones? I have read the bible and it is very inspiring. You will find peace within yourself if you read the positive lines and the ones which help you be a better person, like ecclesiastes and proverbs. All in all, just read it as you feel it. If you want to follow a church's doctrine so they can help you understand it, do it if it makes you comfortable; in the end they all worship the same God. As long as your soul and spirit is honest, open, and loving to God, that is what matters.

Answer 5

Actually it depends on the original language of the NT writers which was Greek, of course -- but ancient Greek....not the modern in use since the fall of Byzantium in 1457. It depends, too on other ancient languages: Aramaic -- the "street" language of Jesus and the apostles; Hebrew -- the language of the temple (see? Jesus was used to a liturgical language just like Catholicism used Latin for centuries) and Syriac. Culture plays a part, too, as does who the audience is.

For example, Luke wrote his Gospel for a Greek audience (Luke himself was a Syrian from Antioch). The Greeks had no prior knowledge of the term "poor in spirit"; therefore Luke eliminates this part....the Greeks wouldn't understand it. Thus the Sermon on the Mount seems to be of a more simple version than that of Matthew who wrote for a Jewish audience that had already believed in God for centuries. they would understand a term like "poor in spirit". To the Greeks the concept of the one True God was very relatively new.

Matthew, too, was an eye-witness to the words and deeds of Jesus as one of his apostles. Luke was Greek and a travel companion of Paul -- Luke had no first-hand knowledge of Jesus.

Answer 6

Many, many people can read the Bible and each will get a different idea of what they are reading! The Bible is a very complicated book!

Answer 7

That is more or less true. Even those who try to live with it as a guide use parts of it and ignore others... it basically is there to fit the need of the moment.

Answer 8

The convenient Christians bible,

Answer 9

It is exactly what it is, a book, people choose to believe in it for their own personal reasons, i dont understand why, nor do i want to. I believe it creates badness within people and hatred towards those that do not follow it.

Why it's psycology, written by people who wanted to control others.

Answer 10

True story: I saw a video from the 60s where a Southern US preacher was quoting scripture about the "mark of Cain," and concluding that dark color skin was the "mark of Cain." Therefor, you know, segregation was God's way of keeping the moral order. (You'll find a lot of people down there who still believe that, too!)

So, don't forget, the ridiculous parts are also hateful when you want them to be, too!