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The answer, i believe, is that the Bible is both metaphoric and literal. The important thing to keep in mind is that both metaphoric and literal truth are TRUE as Spiritual teachings--in otherwords, in the only sense that matters. Therefore, the attempt to separate the literal from the metaphoric in the Bible is a waste of time--because it doesn't matter in the least, given that Truth is Truth.Is the bible supposed to be thought of as metaphoric or literal? Like for example. In the bible it says that God created the earth in 6 days and rested on the 7th. Would this looked at as literal or it is really just a metaphor explaining the power of god or something like that? I have always wondered about this but was not sure how to ask.
A very good question, Truthstriker. You will find some people hold every word of the bible as literal, whilst others conservatively hold some parts to be metaphorical, and yet others that liberally hold that Christ himself is only symbolical! Not much help, huh?Is the bible supposed to be thought of as metaphoric or literal? Like for example. In the bible it says that God created the earth in 6 days and rested on the 7th. Would this looked at as literal or it is really just a metaphor explaining the power of god or something like that? I have always wondered about this but was not sure how to ask.
A very good question, Truthstriker. You will find some people hold every word of the bible as literal, whilst others conservatively hold some parts to be metaphorical, and yet others that liberally hold that Christ himself is only symbolical! Not much help, huh?
I think there are some things, such as the Creation, that can be taken either literally or metaphorically without creating any conflict within the core thread of the biblical message. Personally, I take the Creation story as a metaphorical picture of the actual Creation. If one considers the literacy of folk in those early times when these stories were formed, then one can imagine that verbal transmission through the generations would be far more effective and resistant to change in the form of metaphors, etc.
Indeed, Jesus himself used parables for effectively conveying his teachings in forms that are easy to understand - and even easier to remember - such as the parables of seeds falling on various types of earth. These parables are not literal, but carry the identical message to the actual Truth underlying them.
Symbology is another form of speaking truths in pictures. For example, Jesus is often portrayed as a lamb, but he was not actually such an animal literally!
One could find this daunting and confusing, but, on the other hand, one could consider this an inviting, exciting journey in faith, seeking out the Truth behind the various stories, parables and metaphors. Afterall, the core requisite is faith, not understanding. Understanding is a journey through the landscape of faith. Enjoy it!
I agree with
There are only two Biblical questions that really matter.I see, however how do we even have records of Adam and Eve when if they were the first humans on earth, there was no way to record their lifes. And also where is the garden of eden?
Actually, my belief is that life is too short to waste time playing Bible Trivia.There are only 2 questions that really really matter.
1. Why did you not answer my question.
Answer: You don't know.
2. when are you going to answer my questions instead of making even more questions.
What part of "The Bible was written to lead us to Christ" isn't clear to you?How was the bible written to lead us to Jesus. Stop making statements and explain yourself.
Actually, the last Book of the Bible to be written--Revelations--was written approximately 96 A.D., approximately 60 years after Christ's Resurrection.Once again YOU ARE NOT EXPLAINING YOURSELF. Your holybook was writen 400 years after christ's death. They are simple making up stuff to make people have something to look forward after they die.
I think what you are referring to here is the meeting that officially agreed on what writings/letters, out of the many thousands circulating at that time, were authentic and could be joined together to form the bible. Even today, the canon of the bible differs between some denominations.Once again YOU ARE NOT EXPLAINING YOURSELF. Your holybook was writen 400 years after christ's death. They are simple making up stuff to make people have something to look forward after they die.
Actually, the last Book of the Bible to be written--Revelations--was written approximately 96 A.D., approximately 60 years after Christ's Resurrection.
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