2007-05-22 16:14:52 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think it is a bit of both. For instance when the Bible says a thousand years is as a day to God, I don't think that is a rule that can be used to say the earth is 6,000 years old.
However, when Jesus Christs says, I am the way, the life, and the resurrection, and no man comes to the Father except through me - I take that literally.
2007-05-22 16:19:13 · answer #1 · answered by ignoramus_the_great 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I honestly don't know but I think I lean more towards both. I think that there are some parts that are literal, like most of the New Testament. As for the OT I think there may be some figurative parts.
I know that sounds wishy washy but it's how I view things.
2007-05-22 23:18:23 · answer #2 · answered by Beverly B 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe the bible is a set of books to try and dictate not only morals but also a sense of history and community.
Exodus is almost completely accepted as having occured.
And other stories seem to be historically accurate as well. The story of Jerico...and others.
However, like the Trojar War...the bible juxoposses the historical with the mythological. Just because we know the trojan war occured doesn't mean that Athena, Aphrodite, and Hera were fighting over a golden apple. That's ridiculous.
The trick to the bible is to read it and try and figure out which parts are historical, which parts are mythical, and which parts are metaphors or parables to teach the law and morality.
Obviously, this way of reading the bible has proben to be quite difficult.
2007-05-22 23:17:11 · answer #3 · answered by Julian X 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Figurative.
2007-05-22 23:18:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible is absolutely true but one requires the blessing of GOD to fully understand it. Decent ancient Greek and Hebrew dictionaries are an excelent resource too.
2007-05-22 23:22:24 · answer #5 · answered by ecd1975 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe in the literal, infallible Word of God. There are some descriptive words, phrases in it, especially in Revelation where John was describing futuristic visions of things he himself had never seen before. Otherwise, who are we to pick and choose what we believe in or to choose what is or what is not. God bless
2007-05-22 23:25:32 · answer #6 · answered by connie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some thing were meant to be literal and some were figurative. People get them confused sometimes, you know the ones picking up the snakes and wondering why they get bitten.
2007-05-22 23:22:50 · answer #7 · answered by melissa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible contains poetry (e.g. Psalms), metaphors (e.g. Revelation) and History (e.g. THe Gospels). The Bible has many literary styles. But for the most part, it is literal and historical.
2007-05-22 23:18:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
God doesn't give "multiple choice" for each person on the earth concerning His Word.His Word is 100% true and not for private interpretation.
2007-05-23 00:36:50 · answer #9 · answered by robert p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is a bit of both. I believe that is the senseable to believe this way.
2007-05-22 23:18:29 · answer #10 · answered by mxcardinal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋