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Recent content by DrJon

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    How literally should we interpret the Bible?

    Thank you for your thoughts, Tucker. I say "holistically" because there are many things in the Bible that, taken in isolation, are inaccurate or reflect the era in which it was written. For instance, the Biblical value of pi is 3, reflecting knowledge at the time: "And he [Hiram] made a molten...
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    How literally should we interpret the Bible?

    Thank you for your well-considered post. Yes, I understand that by using "reason" it is possible to pick and choose rules as you go along. If you don't believe in Christ's resurrection then you really can't consider yourself a Christian and all bets are off. However, Jesus was looking for...
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    How literally should we interpret the Bible?

    One can find justification for almost anything in the Bible by taking verses out of context and interpreting them word-for-word. But to get insight and value out of it, one needs to read with understanding, in the context of other parts of the Bible, events at the time, and with intelligence...
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    How literally should we interpret the Bible?

    Thank you so much for your post, Emmy. Everything that you cite from the Bible is beautiful and indisputable. But if I claim that everything is to be taken literally some are quick to point out that it contains contradictions and anachronisms. Jon http://999miracles.com
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    Miracles: Exceptional events or a way of thinking?

    I like that perspective, SkyWriting. I sometimes wonder why He doesn't reveal himself more obviously - but many people would refuse to believe no matter what He did. http://999miracles.com
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    Miracles: Exceptional events or a way of thinking?

    Thank you, EastCoastRemnant - exactly what I was thinking when I asked whether miracles are a way of thinking. Some would object to that use of the word "miracle," but we can certainly see the power of God working in our lives. http://www.999miracles.com
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    How literally should we interpret the Bible?

    Resha and Shempster, You both make good points. I agree that people will differ in their interpretation, but, at least among Christians, it will be much less than 100% disagreement. It's very true that if you come to the Bible with a darkened heart you are likely to misinterpret it. Some...
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    How literally should we interpret the Bible?

    Thanks to both of you for your thoughts. I like the idea of poetry as poetry, metaphor as metaphor, etc. And much of it is historical narrative, but I need to assume that the narratives are in there because they communicate important lessons. I think it comes down to an intelligent reading...
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    How literally should we interpret the Bible?

    The Bible is a wonderful guide to living and, taken as a whole, is so brilliant that I have no doubt it was inspired by God. But some of the rules appear to reflect the time in which it was written. Our knowledge about disease transmission and access to modern medical treatment seems to make...
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    Miracles: Exceptional events or a way of thinking?

    I was quoting Saint Augustine, not necessarily endorsing his statement that miracles are not contrary to nature. But could he be saying that, since God creates miracles, that they are part of the natural order? Sort of the same concept as the President giving himself a pardon not being an...
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    Miracles: Exceptional events or a way of thinking?

    There are two ways to think about miracles. The miracles that Jesus performed were so dramatic that they could only be seen as evidence of divine intervention. But many would say that we need to recognize the hand of God in everyday events, or even to recognize everything as a miracle. Here...
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    Hello from California

    Thanks to everyone for your replies. This really seems like a warm and receptive forum - happy to have found it. http://www.999miracles.com
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    Hello from California

    This forum looks like an exciting place to exchange thoughts. I'm a psychologist and college instructor, nearing retirement, married, and live in California. I'm looking forward to participating. Blessings, Jon 999 Miracles