as a christian....?

Question

how much of the bible do see as metaphor and how much do you take literally?

and how do you discriminate bewteen the two?

Jed
define 'literal truth'.

Answer 1

Without "Wisdom" you will never know!
Seek "Wisdom" and all your questions will be answered!


This is the last time I will respond to a Christian question, they are much to bias!!!!!!

I'm fed up with all this...
As a matter of fact I might depart R/S.......

GBU.........
"Peace be always with you"

Answer 2

This is actually a very good question.

I'm not a very "mature" Christian (I know the Bible, I've read lots of books on apologetics, but I'm still learning the rest), but I'll do my best to answer you.

The problem is, there's not just one answer. That's a fact. Christians have differing opinions on what is metaphorical or figurative, and what is literal. I don't know why this is...maybe, just maybe, it's because we let our own human knowledge and understanding get in the way. Maybe the entire Bible is supposed to be taken literally. Maybe not.

Personally, the only parts I take literally are the ones that have been corroborated by history, archaeology, and/or science. I have a lot of trouble with the rest (e.g. literal six day creation, Noah's ark, the super long lifetimes...).

But like I said, I don't know if it's just my own human limitations getting in the way. I'm just not "mature" enough as a Christian to know.

How do I discriminate between the two? I cherry-pick. There's a lot in the Bible that doesn't make sense to me. So I have trouble believing it. And because I have trouble believing it, I try to take it as a metaphor instead of literally.

Answer 3

Early Genesis (1-11) is largely metaphorical, in my opinion. Also it could be that the account of the Exodus, Numbers and Joshua are not fully historically accurate - although it very definitely has a spiritual meaning, and there are 'types' in some many aspects of it. It amazingly parallels many salvation issues, so even if it was not historically accurate, it has been inspired by God, and put in place in advance of the Messiah's coming.

New Testament - I see this as literally true except when metaphors are given such as Jesus' parables. I know that miracles happen, so don't have any problem with the miracles of Jesus and the early Church - also Jesus resurrection is real as pentecost still happens in believers' lives - Christ's resurrection made it possible.

Answer 4

This would depend on the passage. It helps me to check the original languages (Greek/Hebrew) and, most especially, the context. A lot of passages are still up for interpretation. A Bible teacher I once knew told me that to better understand a passage, you must look at it from the perspective of the people who lived in the time and the author who was writing the book. Study Bibles really help grasp the background which, in turn, helps me grasp whether to take a passage literally or metaphorically.

Answer 5

I never paid attention to the how much part. This calls for the application of proper hermeneutical principles.
Though something may be a metaphor, the truth it conveys is literally true.
I hate to use this as an example, but it's sort of like a puzzle at times...sometimes the piece (understanding) doesn't fit with the rest of the picture, so clearly the understanding is incorrect, or simply in the wrong place.
It all does fit together perfectly though.

Answer 6

We need to seek understanding by the Holy Spirit of God because he can teach us metaphorically through a literal story or prophesy in the Bible that wasn't directed at us personally when it was written. understanding things spiritually is much more beneficial than just breaking it apart and trying to figure out what the author meant at the time.

Although going through that process can be beneficial because it gets us thinking more about the details and that gives the spirits more to work with.

Make sure you are heeding the Holy Spirit and not another. The Holy spirit is the spirit of truth, the others aren't and if it's not true its ____ if you can't fill that blank in then look up a lie in the dictionary.

if you can't tell the difference then try the spirits by following them cautiously at first and seeing how it makes you feel. much easier said than done I know.

Answer 7

The truth is sometimes the bible is both, it will convey a literal idea and a figurative one- Most of the book of Numbers is simply god taking censuses, which is probably true, but it also shows how precise god wanted things done during those times.

Answer 8

As a Christian, The Bible tells us how to strudy what God has for us. In times past, God deals with Israel. He offers them them the earth and the Kingdom on earth. All other Nations (the Gentiles had no hope) Ephesians 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; When they had the Lord Jesus Christ killed on the cross God truned to all people alike through what He done on the cross. He died for our sins, Ephesians 2: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. One day the Lord will take the church off the earth and He will deal with Israel again and give them the earthly kingdom. God has promised us the church the heavens. All the Bible is written for our learning but all the Bible is not written to us for doctrine, so we have to divide the Word of truth. 2 Timothy 2: 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Answer 9

Firstly I do not think that the scriptures were intended to beat peoples over the head with and sometimes this can happen with strict literal applications,we must be careful not to fall into the trap of the Pharisee and place burdens on the backs of others.
Secondly I think by being humble and listening to the Holy Spirit within us and by the wisdom He departs to our senses we can discern the literal from the metaphor quite easily.
God bless you.

Answer 10

I basically take it literally except when it is OBVIOUSLY a metaphor. When Jesus said to hate your mother and father, it was OBVIOUSLY as a comparison to our adoration of Him coming first and foremost in life.

When the plain sense makes common sense, seek no other sense.