Symbolic vs literal is the answer every Christian sect gives for the many contradictions in the Bible, which is precisely why there are so many Christian sects. Each sect interprets the Bible their own way. Some take statements to be literal while others take the same as symbolic. Who makes THAT determination?
But, have you ever considered that the reason for the contradictions is that since the Bible is so large and written by more than one person, it is hard to keep up with the fantasy. Haven't you noticed how a liar has to continue to lie because he forgets the lies he have told?
2007-09-14 04:45:06 · 12 answers · asked by Me 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Maybe.
2007-09-14 04:48:56 · answer #1 · answered by Thomas Paine 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Some take statements to be literal while others take the same as symbolic. Who makes THAT determination?"
We learn as children how to tell the difference between literal and figurative (symbolic) speech. It is a simple concept and is very easy to understand.
Where the Bible says that Jesus hung on the cross, we know that it is literal, he was crucified.
When the Bible says Jesus was lead "like a lamb to the slaughter" we (even children) understand that Jesus was not a physical lamb or sheep. This we understand is figurative.
The problem with "interpretation" or alleged contradictions in the Bible is ALWAYS a lack of understanding or the type of speech or the context in which the statement was written.
The Bible is understandable and straight forward.
* Deut. 30:11-14 the word is not out of reach.
* 31:9-13 to be read to men, women, children every seven years, an enduring process
* It was to all Israel: smart, dumb, conservatives, liberals
* those who didn't know it were expected to learn it Luke 1:1-4 Luke carefully investigated the life of Jesus that you might know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
* 2 Cor. 1:13 Paul wrote no other thing but what you can understand.
* Eph. 3:3-4 Paul wrote so that "you can understand when you read."
* 1 John 2:21 John said Christians can know the truth and can distinguish a lie.
2007-09-14 04:56:55 · answer #2 · answered by TG 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The biggest problem was information that was incorrectly interpreted during translation. Example:
In Genesis, Man is created in the image of God. What guess work was necessary to insert the preposition phrase "in the image"?
Could it have been "within the image"? This change might indicate that Life itself is the image that we were created within. This thought generates many possabilities.
The new testament:
The other main problem is the ROMANS. They tried for hundreds of years to rid themselves of the Christians. Then all of a sudden they created a Christian church for these people that they could not kill off. Do you not think that this was only to have the opportunity to keep them under control and to corrupt the information about their religion that they could not stop buy other means? What happened to all those documents that were destroyed by the Romans? We only have a few bits and pieces of the information from those times.
What real information did they take from us?
Maybe it is still hidden in the _______
Maybe I should not alway type what I am thinking.
2007-09-14 05:17:21 · answer #3 · answered by everymansmedium 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, this is obvious to anyone who can study the bible objectively. Most Christians lack this ability. And in addition to what you said, some will dismiss the contradictions altogether and claim it doesn't matter which way you believe, literal or symbolic, as long as you believe the basics (Christ died for your sins blah blah). Whichever way you go, it seems to be a dodge rather than an honest attempt at an actual answer.
2007-09-14 04:59:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no contradiction in the Bible. The ideas behind the stories remain the same from the Beginning to the End. There are no lies that have to be covered up. If you are reading lies or cover up, that is your interpretation. I encourage you to pray, ask God to send you the Holy Spirit and ask for His guidance. He will provide you with the Counsel of God . Stop after each section and pray and then listen to the response.
2007-09-14 04:54:02 · answer #5 · answered by Mark S 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have always believed that when the bible talks of things such as Hell, they are attempting to describe what people might be feeling *inside* if they don't worship the all mighty Sky Daddy. I do not believe it should have ever been interpreted to mean an actual place.
2007-09-14 04:50:45 · answer #6 · answered by inbetweendays 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Its not that big a problem.
The Bible mentions clearly when it is speaking symbolically.
e.g. Parts of the book of Daniel and Revelation, etc.
No guessing ....it says so.
The balance is to be taken literally with the only exceptions of obvious exageration.
But then again ....its OBVIOUS exaggeration.
2007-09-14 04:58:54 · answer #7 · answered by Uncle Thesis 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are you asking an honest question, or are you being rather verbose in saying the you don't agree with the Bible?
2007-09-14 04:52:42 · answer #8 · answered by joshprox 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why worry? The whole deal is total bollocks anyway!
2007-09-14 04:49:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good point.
2007-09-14 04:49:52 · answer #10 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋