Why do so many individuals read the scriptures as being literal?

Question

As the early Church Historian Eusebius said, "Many were led astray by reading the allegorical contents of the scriptures literally in the method of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

Why is this the case when it has been stated, time and time again, that the written body of the scriptures are -- as Paul referred to them -- the "letter that killeth."

On the same note, individuals such as the early Christian Church Father Origen wrote, “It is sufficient however, to represent in the style of a historic narrative what is intended to convey a secret meaning in the garb of history, that those who have the capacity may work out for themselves all that relates to the subject.”

Origen also wrote, "I believe that every man must hold these things for images, under which the hidden sense lies concealed."

These same truths are again shown in the words of Moses Maimonedes, when he wrote, “Every time that you find in our books a tale the reality of which seems impossible, a story which is repugnant to both reason and common sense, then be sure that the tale contains a profound allegory veiling a deeply mysterious truth; and the greater the absurdity of the letter, the deeper the wisdom of the spirit."

So I ask... Why do so many individuals read the scriptures so literally?
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Note to JC::
The site I took those quotes from was: http://ebionite.com/Torah.htm

They don't really source the quote of Eusebius, but those Origen are sourced as - (Origen - Huet., Prigeniana, 167 Franck, p. 142).

Answer 1

Great quotes from Eusebius and Origen, please provide sources for those quotes!

Well, there is a historical narrative in the Bible. Christians tend though to read this narrative as they do their modern day history. The problem is that the Bible is not like modern day history. When you read a modern history book you do not read about how God is involved in history. So thus, I believe this is why there are so many who take all Scripture literal.

I believe you would readily admit, however, that a large portion of Scripture needs to be understood for a literal standpoint. Not all is metaphor or allegory. This is especially true of the New Testament letters and gospels.

The most allegory/metaphorical language in the Bible comes in Hebrew History and Apocalyptic sections of scripture.

According to Thomas Long, there are three major components to Bible History. There is an aesthetic, theological, and referential component to Biblical Hebrew History. Each of these components have an effect on each other.

Thus, the Bible is full of history wrapped in theology told in an literary art form.

Answer 2

It is best to take them literally until a parable or story is given for a hidden meaning or secret meaning which must be searched out. Too often Scripture is considered mostly allegorical and that is not true. It often means exactly what it says. In Hebrew two truths are possible therefore you can have a box full of truths to tell the story or explain the situation.

Of things hoped for and of things not seen - future hope and present realities. This describes faith, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Answer 3

To begin with, the Bible has a stronger manuscript support than do other works of classical history, including Homer,Plato, Aristotle, Caesar,and Tacitus.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:15"

Answer 4

Because they are so often and so easily mislead by their pastors due to the self-interests of church leaders. It's easier to control people when they think the bible is literal truth, easier to set an agenda such as hating homosexuals or non-believers.

Answer 5

You should take them literally, unless they are obviously meant to be taken as a parable with a deeper meaning.
The Bible is history, you know!

Also, those who know the Lord better and longer will have experienced things you don't anything about, so you may think that the Bible passages are figurative, while they know that they are literal from their richer experience.

Answer 6

The letter that killeth is the Law.
Written in stone.
Hello; that is the ten commandments.

How do you come up with that interpitation?

Answer 7

Because to NOT take it literally means bringing into serious question everything in it.

Answer 8

When they don't take it literally they argue more amongst themselves

Which I enjoy immensly