Christians does this help You answer this objection?

Question

"Jesus taught hatred by saying that a Christian should ‘hate’ his father and mother."

This is called "hyperbole"—a statement of extremes, contrasting love with hate for emphasis’ sake. The Bible often does this (Proverbs 13:24; 29:24). Jesus tells us that the first and greatest Commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37,38). As much as we treasure our spouse and family, and even our own life, there should be no one whom we love and value more than God, no one who takes precedence in our life. To place love for another (including ourselves) above God is idolatry.

Answer 1

You are right there is a method to bible study. Just as there is a method to the study of other disciplines.
There is metaphor,poetry,hyperbole,
geneologies..that's why its such an amazing book!

Answer 2

In response to Dharmanator:

I understand your argument and, to a degree, I can even agree with it. There is mass misinterpretation of scripture for one reason or another. However, the most effective way to determine whether a particular passage should be taken literally or otherwise is actually quite simple, though it takes time and effort. Careful consideration of the original language and culture of those speaking and being spoken to along with referring to other passages throughout the scriptures that speak of the same topic or use the same original-language word or term, which is also referred to as cross-referencing, allows the Bible to interpret itself, which helps keep individual misinterpretation to a minimum.

As an example, in this case, n most languages a single word can have various shades of meaning, depending on the context. For instance, in some languages one may say: “I love ice cream” and also, “I love my children.” There is a great difference in the intensity of and types of love being expressed. Similarly, the Bible speaks of different types of fear. When it uses the word in connection with worshiping God, it is not referring to terror, fright, or a sense of impending punishment. Rather, the fear of God conveys healthful feelings—awe, reverence, and deep respect. These noble emotions are coupled with love for and attraction toward God, not an instinct to flee or hide from him. The same is also true of the word hate.

Answer 3

The problem is that some statements in the bible are interpreted literally, some with hyperbole, some with other devices. How can anyone take it seriously when we are supposed to understand it piecemeal?

How do we know that this one isn't to be taken literally and for instance, "Love the Lord your god with all your heart" isn't sarcasm and the opposite should be taken to be true? It seems to me that you can make the bible say whatever you want it to say by applying whichever literary device filter you want to.

I'm sure that if I wanted to, I could apply the same absurd set of conditions to the First Amendment and interpret it to mean that religion should be eradicated by force.

Answer 4

Do you know actually what he was saying ? the reason why Jesus spoke in parables is because of the wickedness of mans heart. These things are spiritually discerned and those who are in the flesh doesn't understand the things of the spirit.

Answer 5

I think you have a good understanding of what Jesus meant.

I've often wondered if in that verse you quoted, was it a bad translation? Did the translator use the right word (in English)?

Answer 6

No problem with it in my mind.
You really cannot love anything without hating something else.
If you love your family, you will hate anything that might destroy them.

"Hate evil, you who love the LORD,
Who preserves the souls of His godly ones;
He delivers them from the hand of the wicked. "
(Psalm 97:10)

Answer 7

A statement of extremes. Hmmmm, maybe we could rename the whole book.....

Answer 8

Very true.