- Apr 16, 2019
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This seems like something that should be non-controversial: scripture should be interpreted literally. I guess it's understandable that there are biblical passages that could pose difficulties, but some of the controversies are rather strange.
For example, the people who seem to think that if the Bible uses a metaphor, then that somehow refutes the notion of literal interpretation. I guess closely tied to that is the idea of "wooden literalism", that literal interpretation means we have to view all clearly metaphorical language in its most literal sense.
Literal interpretation does not mean that the Bible doesn't use literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, stories such a parables, and hyperbole. Very often, though, the non-literal character of this device will be clear. So, for example, when Jesus calls himself the door to the sheep fold, we would not be smart to think of him as a something like a hinged wooden plank. But the metaphor does give us some truths about him, that he protects his sheep.
For example, the people who seem to think that if the Bible uses a metaphor, then that somehow refutes the notion of literal interpretation. I guess closely tied to that is the idea of "wooden literalism", that literal interpretation means we have to view all clearly metaphorical language in its most literal sense.
Literal interpretation does not mean that the Bible doesn't use literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, stories such a parables, and hyperbole. Very often, though, the non-literal character of this device will be clear. So, for example, when Jesus calls himself the door to the sheep fold, we would not be smart to think of him as a something like a hinged wooden plank. But the metaphor does give us some truths about him, that he protects his sheep.