I'd like to ask about this, because i'd like to know how to understand the Bible particularly the first chapters of Genesis. How did christians approach these chapters in the past - eg. Luther, Calvin, St. Thomas, St. Augustine etc. If there are parts of the Bible that are not to be taken literally, how does one know which parts are not to be taken literally, and which parts are?
The canonical principle
The canonical principle refers to the fact that the information needed to understand the Bible is found in the canon of Scripture itself; i.e., Scripture is its own interpreter.
The literal interpretation principle
A basic principle in biblical interpretation is to understand words and sentences in their literal sense, unless figures of speech or idiomatic expressions are used.
When you open/study the Word of God ... ALWAYS ask for the Holy Spirit to lead you in truth and understanding ... ALWAYS
The unity of Scripture principle
Since all Scripture is inspired by the same Spirit and all of it is the Word of God, there is a fundamental unity and harmony among its parts (Matt. 5:17; Rom. 3:10-18). This means that Scripture is consistent. Although the different writers, at times, emphasize different aspects of the same topic or event, they do not contradict one another. For example: each of the Gospel writers under inspiration records different facets of Christ’s life, yet each is needed to obtain a full and balanced picture of the life and work of Christ (John 20:30, 31).
Often it is very helpful to go into the original Hebrew and/or Greek .... often clarifies things
Here is a place where you can access the Hebrew/Greek Lexicon and easily do this
One can search His entire word .... look at other translations
A wonderful bible study tool
www.biblehub.com
also, sometimes studying topically is beneficial .... here is a place where you can easily to this.
What Does the Bible Say About Creation?
at the top you can change to a different topic
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The Bible teaches that both the habitats and the life forms of our planet were created by God in six literal, consecutive, 24-hour days. God celebrated this activity by resting on, blessing, and making holy the seventh day.
Example:
Genesis. 1:1-2:3
According to Genesis 1:1-2:3, how long did God take to create our present world and the various life forms that live on it? What clues do these verses give us that imply literal, 24-hour days?
The Hebrew word for day is yom. It is true that on occasion yom can mean an indefinite period of time (just like the word day in English). Some scholars have used this to propose that the six days of Creation were vast periods of time. They often cite passages like Psalm 90:4 in support of their position.
However, the common usage of yom is for the 24-hour day. A basic rule in translation is for the common meaning to be utilized unless the context provides a clear indicator or sign that a different meaning is intended.
Such signs are missing in Genesis 1, and there are several indicators that point directly to a literal, 24-hour day. One is the way that the days are designated by ordinal numbers ("day one" "day two," etc.). This is done only when a 24-hour day is intended. Another is that the days are set off by the expression "and there was evening, and there was morning"(NIV).
Again, this is done in Hebrew only when a literal 24-hour day is meant. There are several more technical arguments involving grammar and syntax that also support the 24-hour-day meaning for the word day. Most scholars believe that the writer indeed meant to convey the idea of a literal 24-hour day. However, many of them still do not accept what the text says, because it contradicts their understandings as put forth with evolutionary theory.
Although it is interesting to look at various theologies put forth ... such as Luther, Calvin ... Thomas ... Augustine etc .... they will vary and sometimes significantly so and can cause confusion ... It is Gods word ... He is the only one who can interpret it. We all to endeavor to understand it and put forth our understandings .... consider them ... however verify any and all teachings regardless where they come from with His Holy Word for yourself.
Acts 17:11
New Living Translation
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message.
They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
If verses appear to be contradictory ... keep searching His entire word .... and most times the continuity taking scripture as a whole ... will become evident.
Go to the link provided (above) .... it is a wonderful tool to help one study and a great time saver.
May the Lord bless you as you study His Word .... AMEN!