how can the bible not be fiction if its not meant to be taken literally?

Question

if we're not supposed to take the bible literally then how can it not be fiction? there is nothing to interpret about nonfiction, but if we have to interpret it metaphorically then how the hell can it not be fiction? I mean you dont interpret real things.

so can somebody explain to me how the stories be interpreted metaphorically without them being fictional?

Answer 1

Fiction + stupid = religion.

Answer 2

First, let me just say that, as a History major, there is PLENTY to interpret about nonfiction (I spend a good part of the week doing just that). I think you are confusing “HOW” or “WHAT” with “WHY.” You would never ask yourself “how did the Revolutionary War occur.” You know the answer is “Well… these Blue guys and these Red Guys started shooting at each other...” You ask “WHY did it happen?” “WHY were they shooting at each other?” Just because your answers are speculation or opinion, doesn’t make it any less real. So that right there is your first error.

Now then, for your last question: The Irish have a tale of their own. I’m sure you’ve heard it every March. Telling of a man, Saint Patrick, single handedly “driving all of the snakes out of Ireland,” and saving everyone. How great. But I’ve got a secret for you… that didn’t really happen. St Patrick’s REAL job was that of a missionary, and his REAL claim to fame: the first to introduce Christianity to a, then, primarily Pagan society. Yeah. Doesn’t sound as fun as the snake story though, does it? So, WHY would they change some things around when telling of this back in merry old 500 AD England? Do you think they knew what a missionary did? Or what a Pagan society consisted of? Or what the heck a Druid was for? No. Probably not. But they DID know what a snake was. And they DID catch on to the similarities to the snake they heard about from that Adam and Eve story. What I’m saying (metaphorically) is that the Bible was written the way it was so that the common, illiterate, uneducated man could understand the basic concepts within. You SHOULD’NT take it literally. That would be stupid. No one expects it to be taken literally. It wasn’t written to be taken literally. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it SERIOUSLY. It also doesn’t mean that EVERY book is a metaphor. Some are. Most of the Old Testament probably is. But there WAS a Jesus. And there WAS a flood. And the Apostles WERE executed in terrible ways. Paul’s letter ARE real. And THAT is WHY it is considered “non-fiction.” It is the piece of literature comprising works of narrative prose dealing with or offering opinions or conjectures upon facts and reality.

Answer 3

Jesus explained his teaching methods at Matthew 13:10-17. His disciples asked him why the illustrations? His reply was explanations were not given then unless they went further to ask and learn.

When Jesus did the miracle of loaves and fishes, some only followed him for a free meal. He was interested in those hungry for spiritual food. Those that wanted explanations enough to go beyond just a free meal.

Some things the men who had the visions could not handle the accurate things. How could a human understand or see heaven or spirits? How would they understand governments of today? How would they understand flight unless it was birds?

Imagine George Washington witnessing an E-16 jet launching an air to ground bunker buster! His pants would have to be changed for sure. Could his mind handle it though? It is doubtful. His mind probably would deny it happened.

So it is not hard to understand why some parts are done in not literal but figurative language. Usually, when the Bible speaks of images or beasts it means political governments. Animals, like winged lions, represent qualities of God when related to God's throne.

Usually, it tells when something is an illustration or not. Numbers are definite when specific numbers are used at least twice. Otherwise they are not literal but relate to quantity- little or a lot.

Answer 4

I do not fully understand why you would believe there to be a connection between a metaphor and fiction; the two are separate ideas altoghether.

The bible was never intended as a "religion" nor a work to be Literally interpreted as the spritual teachings were of a Symbolic meaning.

In short, the language within the bible is not your own and is a spiritual ancient one as the text was written many thousands of years ago.

The primary problem with the literal interpretations of the bible as it gets no respect at all that way and teaches absolutely nothing in a spiritual sense; literally it can be viewed as a guide to fear, rebellion, death and pain; and this has nothing to do wth the truth intended by it.

Those whom preach doom, pain and death by it often profit financialy from there preachings, this is evident. This "scare tactic" is used as "it can be" and is effectively against those whom are of little spiritual depth, they hear, they listen, they cower and pay to "be saved"; what a convient interpretation...

Consider this as a spiritual message: Jesus was so "powerful" as the "son of God" he Cured a blind man and made him see;

This is a literal interpretation sold-hawked to the masses of spritualy-ignorant.

This is the "power" angle to sell Jesus.

First, Jesus often said "I am the truth", again and again and again he said it>

Consider the symbolic message then when Jesus cured the blind man: the blind man was Spiritualy blind and the Truth made him see reality of life, of spirit and of the "life after death"; that Truth is represented by Jesus; it was always a metaphoric message and never one of literal.

Why metaphors and why not "just say it"...???

Jesus came many times and many places as many different prophets orMessiahs, name any of importance and it was most probably Jesus (or Isa as Jesus was the Latin transtion of Isa)

Jesus has been "saying it all along" in all times and places and it is We whom get itwrong time and again, as culturaly, we allow ourselves to "claim him as our own" and not "all of ours"...we cling to the idea that "since he came her first, he is the true Messiah" . This is mankind cuaght up with itself.

Consider looking at what your reading and "pulling out an idea" of what appears to be being said within the story, look close as there is much truth within the bible still hidden as most cannot grasp how simple the messages are and how they were meant for everyone.

Answer 5

The Bible is meant to be a factual reiteration of the miracles Jesus Christ did, the Ten Commandments, etc. However, there are many parables that Jesus Christ ond others tell that are supposed to be metaphorically interpreted. Perhaps, you missed a line and thought that a parable was supposed to be real, when it actually WAS meant to be a metaphor/parable.

Really confusing, but hope this helps!

Answer 6

All language is metaphorical. For example, you said "if we're not supposed to TAKE the Bible literally..." Of course, you don't mean "take" literally, you mean comprehend, access, understand, interpret, etc. All of this language has to be unlocked. Sometimes metaphors can grow into systems and broad models, like God is Father or the LORD is my shepherd. And smoetimes they can grow into myth like in Job or Genesis. All of this takes place right alongside history, Gospel, epistle, and other genres. The Bible is all true and a lot of it actually happened.

Answer 7

Take the Bible as literal. Histroy tellls us that there really was a named Jesus. This man made claims to being the Son of God and making the universe. IF that was really fiction then this man that was named Jesus that lived 2000 years ago was the biggest liar ever.
I think the people who want the bible to be taken Metaphorically are those who realize what some of the Bible teaching are, don't want to follow them and cringe at the thought of them.

Answer 8

Stories in the Bible can be both historical and archetypes. The story of Joseph is one example. You could argue whether there was a historical figure named Joseph, son of Isaac, son of Abraham. However, if the story is true, it is not only history, but an example of enduring Faith in God, and an example of how God works in our lives for the good of all.

This one story is not only history in this case, but a lesson on humility, faithfulness, work-ethic, and redemption.

God uses the people of the Bible as examples in so many ways, and we can each interpret God's actions in their lives, and see how He also acts in ours.

Answer 9

Sorry, it's not all one or all the other. It's pretty obvious where the dividing line is between metaphor and command in the context. Jesus said "I am the door" but he isn't a door, rather a way through to something.

Just because it uses both direct commands (follow me) and poetic examples doesn't make it fiction.

Perhaps a course in logic would help.

Answer 10

If you look at it as an energy of love then it is not taken literately.
As God is love, do good things,

It was written as a law book to scare people who would not stay in line, just as our laws today, take out all the fear-based nonsense and it is a book of love,

Now how hard was that?

Answer 11

Can't be done. Since there are numerous errors in the bible, the whole thing must be taken as a work of fiction. This does not preclude there being truthful elements in it (as in any work of fiction); it does require that any biblical dictum must not be taken as true without outside confirmation.