Does the bible work like a ‘choose your own adventure’ book?

Question

I see so many Christians picking and choosing which parts of the bible are symbolic and which are literal. Why don’t they call modern bibles, “The Big Book of Choose Your Own Beliefs”?

Answer 1

Ah, you've met the cherry pickers, I see. Don't ask where the name came from but for as long as I can remember I've refered to those who pick and choose the beliefs of their sacred text that they are going to follow as cherry pickers.

I've seen "Judge not least you be judged" change into "judge all you like but no one's allowed to judge YOU." and "love thy neighbour" seems to mean "steal from him, have sex with his wife, kill him if he's middle eastern and for the love of GOD crusify him if he's homosexual."

Answer 2

1. The bible is the new and the Old Testament (the new and the old covenant).
a. The old testament tell you how we got here and all the mistakes we made.
b. It also shows gods frustration with man’s failure to follow directions.
2. The new testament sets out some rules as follows
a. The bible isn’t for everyone Mat7:7
b. But if a seeker of truth comes the way shall be opened Mat7:8
c. The path is there but it’s up to you to find and follow it. Mat 7:13
d. People are going to try to lead you astray Mat 7:15
e. But your smart you’ll see through them Mat 7:16
f. Then there more till you get to Mat 18:20 Which explains that when two or three gather and talk and work thing out (following the rules) God/Jesus are with you. So do the right thing.
g. What is the right thing? Glad you asked Mat 22:36-40 Says There is only one God and you must love him and you must also love your neighbor. (its not the only thing but it is the main thing).

Its up to you to follow and not be confused by the picking and choosing. Everyone seems to get hung up on the leads you astray part. If following the straight and narrow were easy everyone would be doing it. Everyone wants redemption but no one wants the sacrifice.

Answer 3

Not choosing. I believe it all. You have to know history and ancient cultures to really understand The Bible.
I have read it for 30 years and am still learning new things.
I DO NOT believe in 'Theistic Evolution'.
* I believe the universe was created in six literal days. Yes, this was symbolic in that God used it as an example for us. We need to work six days and rest for one day, that way, we can 'recharge'.
God did not say to work 100,000,000 years, then rest.
*There was a world-wide catastrophic flood. 85% of the Earth is still covered with water. The rest is under our feet.
*The Old Testament is a historical document of the people of Israel, and the condition of human kind.
*Jesus did walk this planet, and changed the way we think about ourselves.
For anyone who has actually studied the bible and to not believe it is beyond me.

Answer 4

You second sentence answers your question. Christians do often pick and choose what they believe is to be literal and what they believe is to be symbolic....based on their particular denominational beliefs.

I am a believer in God because I know Him personally...not because a book tells me who He is. I have found that out for myself and he alone leads me.

I am not saying that the Bible is not based on facts. What I am saying is that the Bible, like every religious text ever written is someones particular interpretation of events or concepts. Man made religions...man wrote the actual words found in the Bible...man even decided what was truth and what was not. Then religions decided which of those truths were actually true, and then decide how we must see those truths.

To much man and not enough God. Seek Him (Your creator) first...and the rest will come as He chooses you to receive it.

Answer 5

To read the bible choosing which parts are literal and which are symbolic is wrong. Your write the bible was meant to be read cover to cover. However, the interpretation of what you read can be literal or symbolic. God lets you get out of it what God wants you to. I've read the bible cover to cover several times and I always get something different out of it. After all it is Gods letter to you and only you and God know what you need.

Answer 6

Because the title is incomplete.

It's "The Big Book of Choose Your Own Beliefs... Then Hammer The People Around you into Sharing Your Beliefs!"
-A love story.

Answer 7

It would probably facilitate a response if you were to have something specific in mind. Some portions of the Bible are clearly symbolic and some are clearly literal. Admittedly, a few portions may cause a bit of confusion at first blush, but they can readily be cleared up with a little digging.

Hannah J Paul

Answer 8

I like your analogy. If one can just cherry pick what parts they want to agree with, what merit does the Bible have? On the other hand, if you take the literal interpretation and follow it literally, stoning people to death for offenses considered quite mild in modern times is not only acceptable but promoted. In addition, you would have to practice intolerance for homosexuality.

Answer 9

I agree. I call that scenario "Personal Jesus" syndrome. It happens quite a bit where people pick and choose what to believe. It's been like that for over 2,000 years and will probably continue. Definitely can't beat them over the head with a Bible to make them believe. One can only offer the message. One can't force one to partake of the message.

Answer 10

For some people? Yes.
For others? The key to understanding the Bible is to know that ther are no contradictions. If (and this applies to everything) you see what seems to be a contradiction, then one or more of your parameters is wrong. Logic dictates that you must go back and check your parameters, to find the flaw, and eliminate the apparent contradiction.