But if I choose a quote and ask for it to be explained all of a sudden the one I choose is simply 'not to be taken literally' as they don't like what they hear! Is this another exercise in propaganda? You simply interpret the bible to suit yourself don't you?
2007-05-14 03:26:32 · 12 answers · asked by thethinker 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"Your hands are covered in blood, as mine were"
I'm sorry? I have just took a look at my hands-not a drop of blood on them. Or is this another example of metaphor? Why not just use clear and consice English to express yourself? Do you have something to hide?
2007-05-14 03:39:02 · update #1
I think everyone should stop using the bible to justify war and arguments.
2007-05-14 03:28:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
As with all ancient text from any area or culture, they are subject to interpretation. However since we cannot hear inflection, or understand the slang or presents of the times, we cannot be absolute in our interpretations, because the literal is all we have. In the past few thousand year, our own language (English) has evolved into a form that would not be understood by those living just a few hundred years ago. If you would like an example of this. There is a book on tape called the Canterbury Tales that was recorded using the original old English spoken about 300 years ago.
But to the point, it is not unusual (especially for cleric's) to make your interpretation less important or accurate than their own. Most religious people tend to be too literal in their interpretations thinking the words mean exactly what they mean. We should all know however, that this is not true, and it is the truth that takes a beating within most religious context. Speculation is easy, just as assumption is easy, but neither gets you any closer to the truth unless the basics of the assumption or speculation is that there is no truth and everything is a man made concept.
2007-05-14 10:53:44 · answer #2 · answered by Tom H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Christian... and I am in total agreement with you. One of my pet peeves is when other Christians pre-conceive an opinion, and then cherry-pick the Bible to supposedly "prove" their point. Then, as you say, if you do the same thing they say YOU are interpreting it wrong. Go figure. For that matter, what good is quoting the Bible at all when arguing with someone who perhaps doesn't even believe in the Bible in the first place? That suggests that many Christians are not really intending to convince you of anything. You hit the nail right on the head: it is propaganda. Galileo had to deal with it. I guess you do, too.
That said, we are not all like that, and I hope you won't feel like we all are! It really is a fair question to ask.
2007-05-14 10:36:14 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that people interpret the Bible to meet their own beliefs, but I realize that is a very human reaction and its impossible to read something and not interpret it from our own thoughts, biases and beliefs. I do have problems with those who claim they believe the Bible is without error because I question then if they have read it and understood it at all.
The issue of scriptures is a hot button for me. I will explain them to others in simple terms...but yes, that is from my bias. My bias is the Bible is not literal nor meant to be taken as literal. I quote only very few scriptural passages.
I am bothered though by some who will not let a Christian quote a word from the Bible, then ask for explanations for other scripture. I question the motivation of the asker...some do want an answer, but I feel most simply want to use a clearly misunderstood passage against the believer...in an attempt to prove them wrong or unintelligent.
Posting line after line of scripture, however, is redundant in this forum and I for one will not even bother with a question in that kind of format. We all have access to Bibles, we do not need to read one on Yahoo Answers.
The Ol' Hippie Jesus Freak
Grace and Peace
Peg
2007-05-14 10:29:08 · answer #4 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I came to the conclusion long ago that it's to hide the fact that they don't know the answers. It's like hiding behind a book as a means of escaping problems. It's equally funny when you quote from the Bible, but admit to being psychic, Wiccan, Druid, pagan, even Native American....You're often compartmentalized into the one category and, rather than getting to know you as a person, more biblical quotes will arise containing "evil" and "going to hell" et alia...
2007-05-14 10:36:38 · answer #5 · answered by Companion Wulf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, yeah. We're all quick to shed blood, ruin and misery mark our ways, our mouths are like open graves, and the way of peace we do not know. Neither do you. (see Romans 3:10-18 and take it literally, that's all I ask) Then take a look at 3:19-20 to abolish the rest of your concept of Christianity. Your hands are covered in blood, as mine were.
2007-05-14 10:32:40 · answer #6 · answered by Soundtrack to a Nightmare 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe they are just ignoring you. And you may be taking the quote out of context. When I answer a question with a bible quote, Im not taking it out of context. I am answering with all the knowledge I have from the bible and elsewhere...
2007-05-14 10:30:21 · answer #7 · answered by lynjen31 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The bible is a very literal book. It is not open to interpretation. If you do not interpret it correctly, it is because you have not prayed enough to understand His word. Some believe that we can just interpret the bible how ever we please. Wrong!
2007-05-14 10:32:34 · answer #8 · answered by Colette B 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A product of rejecting Christ's Church and her guidance in reading the scriptures. What specific verse would you like explained?
2007-05-14 10:29:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, you use the bible verses which suit you and give the other ones to some other christian who needs them. Bible is a world of contradictions.
2007-05-14 10:31:51 · answer #10 · answered by son_of_enki 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because, per a question I asked last week, the Bible is treated as a deli -- pick what you like, leave behind what you don't.
Take it all, or take nothing.
2007-05-14 10:29:24 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋