2007-07-23 16:44:19 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
it's an unauthorized biography of god.
2007-07-23 16:47:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is metaphorical.
Of course, it could be metaphorical and still be the inerrant word of God (I don't believe that, but it could be). "Metaphorical" does not mean "false." The writings of Kafka were intended as metaphors - that doesn't make them any less true. But we read them as metaphors because we understand their intended context. I contend that Scripture is the same way. Of all the historical, poetical, and liturgical works in ancient Judaism, the few writings selected for inclusion in Scripture were chosen because of their deeper, metaphorical meanings.
If you ever get the chance to read commentaries on Scripture written by ancient and Medieval theologians, you might be surprised to find that they always approach the Bible as metaphor.
2007-07-23 23:51:36 · answer #2 · answered by NONAME 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is metaphorical. It is literal. It's the inerrant word of God.
There are many metaphors and other literary techniques that are used. For example, Jesus spoke in parables. He wasn't speaking literally, he was using fictional accounts to make points. You have to understand the writer, the audience, the context, etc. to be able to know when to take something literally and when it's meant to be symbolic, just like you do with satire and sarcasm and other techniques used in our modern language.
When the Bible says it rained 40 days and 40 nights (the Genesis flood account), I believe that literally. It's not meant to be taken another way.
When the Bible says (song of Solomon) "I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharoah's chariots".... well... OK... what? Solomon was probably not speaking literally in that passage, or else I'm thinking he wouldn't have achieved the desired affect. I'm sure she knew what he meant.
It's just like reading/studying any other complex book. You have to study it before you can truly understand parts of it.
2007-07-23 23:59:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Inerrant Word of God in it's original language.
2007-07-23 23:48:09 · answer #4 · answered by JesusFirst2Day 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has historical, poetic, metaphorical, prophetic, etc styles of writing and is the inerrant word of God.
2007-07-23 23:48:00 · answer #5 · answered by Michael B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont believe alot of whats in the bible because it was man written and there are so many passages that are sexist to women (ie stoning women to death - God said never kill so clearly this "rule" was written by man).. there are so many absurd things in the bible that dont go along with the 10 commandements, and im really not sure if any of us while here on earth will know exactly what Gods rules are. i guess the 10 commandements should be followed above all.
2007-07-23 23:48:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are verses in the bible that should not be translated literally. Understanding with the help of God is needed . and if you have no faith in God, you will never come to understand the bible. So be it.
jtm
2007-07-23 23:48:42 · answer #7 · answered by Jesus M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
literal. everybodys gunna find out after the rapture... anyways if you really wanna know do some research yourself. dont just ask a yes or no question on yahoo answers. but think about it... you really think it makes sense that there was an explosion and then we were all here? somebody made you...
2007-07-23 23:48:12 · answer #8 · answered by Hunter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow...I would say it is metaphorical, historical, prophetic, literal, truth, timeless, absolute knowledge that God intended us to know, etc.... It is, to me, the LIVING, WORD OF GOD!
It is my life's handbook.
2007-07-23 23:54:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to this either/or question is an unequivocal yes.
2007-07-23 23:47:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋