Why Do You Believe That The Bible Is Meant To Be Taken Literally?

[RDJ]

Hello everyone,

I am a Christian, but I am definitely not a Fundamentalist. For those of you who are Fundamentalists, I have some questions:
Do you believe that every word in The Bible is meant to be taken literally?
If you believe this, why do you think The Bible is meant to be taken literally?

RDJ

 

[sealacamp]

Conversely do you think that what the bible states should not be taken literally? If not then why not? It is, after all, Gods word.

Sealacamp

 

[RDJ]

It is mainly the verses about Hell that I can't take literally. I don't see how throwing souls into a pit of unquenchable fire for all eternity is the proper payment for sin. I believe that the fire in Hell is a metaphor for the emotions that hurt the soul from being in Hell. If a soul is going to be in Hell forever, then it makes sense that this metaphorical "fire" will never be extinguished. I also believe that the worms in Hell that Jesus mentioned refers to the moral state of the souls who are in Hell.

 

[1TrueDisciple]

Hello everyone,

I am a Christian, but I am definitely not a Fundamentalist. For those of you who are Fundamentalists, I have some questions:
Do you believe that every word in The Bible is meant to be taken literally?
If you believe this, why do you think The Bible is meant to be taken literally?

RDJ

I consider myself a fundamentalist, but I certainly must not fit into the mold you have conceived for a fundamentalist.

The Bible must be read like any other literary work, that is, in the plain sense of the contextual meaning of a given unit of discourse.

Ordinarily, writers of prose state in plain language what they mean. However, at times, they may for purposes of clarity need to adopt figurative language to communicate.

Clearly, context generally shows when figurative language is being employed and when literal language is being employed. Anyone who mistakes figurative language for literal language has a real comprehension problem, and they'd better never venture out in a thunderstorm unless they wish to be struck by a cat or dog.

 

[Meet me at the cross]

It is the Living Word of God.

 

[sealacamp]

It is mainly the verses about Hell that I can't take literally. I don't see how throwing souls into a pit of unquenchable fire for all eternity is the proper payment for sin. I believe that the fire in Hell is a metaphor for the emotions that hurt the soul from being in Hell. If a soul is going to be in Hell forever, then it makes sense that this metaphorical "fire" will never be extinguished. I also believe that the worms in Hell that Jesus mentioned refers to the moral state of the souls who are in Hell.

"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." -Revelation 21:8

Jesus also said this. So do we live forever and suffer if we aren't saved. Frankly I don't know. I do know that being separated from God forever is not something that I want to experience and that if we are not saved to new life with God we will be condemned to new life without Him. Will we die as Jesus says here or will be live in perpetual torment as it is stated in other parts of the scriptures? I am not sure. I am only sure that surrender to Christ will eliminate the problem for those that surrender and for those that don't? Well they will have a problem won't they?

BTW we are told in scripture that we won't be concerned about anyone who is not at the heavenly celebration so do what you can to save as many as you can, that is all we can do. Bring them to Christ and let Christ rescue them but if they choose not to be rescued what can you do then? Would you want to be expelled from heaven just to be with those that suffer or die? I have examined all of this before and what the scriptures tell us of this issue are reliable, in addition if there are any lingering questions the holy spirit is always there to lead you even further into Gods truth.

May you find what you seek.

Sealacamp

 

[visionary]

Reality of what the Bible says and truly means only comes through the lenses of the Holy Spirit. Other wise we see darkly... and without spiritual context. Pulling theology out of scripture for argument sake is not living it according to the spirit in which it was intended. The Lord has His purpose, and not one dot or T crossing is going to change that. The human mind can not comprehend God, unless God reveals Himself to them.

This transformation is called born again, in which the Holy Spirit gives us gifts of understanding, discernment, knowledge, truth, and much more. Growing in these things, more and more of scripture becomes a part of the World in which the believer lives in. It is not something the carnal mind can truly understand, nor can it be because it is spiritually discerned. It is hard to explain, but recognised by those who have been born again as His.

Now why do I believe that we should take the Bible literally. Because it is literally talking about real life.

Some things are in the spiritual realm and difficult to explain because that are not tangable to the carnal mind.

Some things are historical and for our understanding of how some things never change except maybe the names, dates, places, and people.

Some things are in God's time, as in a thousand years of our time is equal to a day in the Lord's time.

 

[BigNorsk]

The Chicago statement on Biblical Hermaneutics gives a good explanation of what taking the Bible literally does and doesn't mean.

The literal sense is that meaning that was intended. Not to take scripture and apply a nonsenical literalistic understanding.

Such has often happened over the years, and those people often call themselves fundamentalists but aren't and say they interprete literally but really don't. Many take them and have made them the make fun of stereotype of fundamentalists.

 

[Auburn88]

Hello everyone,

I am a Christian, but I am definitely not a Fundamentalist. For those of you who are Fundamentalists, I have some questions:
Do you believe that every word in The Bible is meant to be taken literally?

The message of the Bible is literal. Sometimes, it uses literal language, metaphorical language, poetic language, etc, to make literal points.

If you believe this, why do you think The Bible is meant to be taken literally?

Because we can look at the grammar and language and context in the Bible and see that that's how it's meant to be taken.

 

[EvangelicalChristian]

It appears you don't understand Fundamentalism well.

 

[Hentenza]

It is mainly the verses about Hell that I can't take literally. I don't see how throwing souls into a pit of unquenchable fire for all eternity is the proper payment for sin. I believe that the fire in Hell is a metaphor for the emotions that hurt the soul from being in Hell. If a soul is going to be in Hell forever, then it makes sense that this metaphorical "fire" will never be extinguished. I also believe that the worms in Hell that Jesus mentioned refers to the moral state of the souls who are in Hell.

So what keeps you from reading the accounts of Christ birth, death, and resurrection metaphorical as well?

 

[General Mung Beans]

So what keeps you from reading the accounts of Christ birth, death, and resurrection metaphorical as well?

Well the passages indicating the life of Jesus are written in a historical/factual context and tone while the passages indicating a fiery Hell are in the Book of Revelations which is heavy on imagery and metaphor.

 

[Hentenza]

Well the passages indicating the life of Jesus are written in a historical/factual context and tone while the passages indicating a fiery Hell are in the Book of Revelations which is heavy on imagery and metaphor.

Is Matt. 25 also written in heavy imagery and metaphor? Is Revelation a metaphorical book simply because it is apocalyptic writing?

 

[Auburn88]

[quote]<staff edit>

I look forward to seeing your evidence for this claim.

 

[Hentenza]

<staff edit>

It is also the most accurately preserved book of antiquity with over 99% accuracy in the copies.

 

[Auburn88]

<staff edit>

I look forward to seeing your evidence for these claims.

Also, could you please list the similarities between these "Chadlean Flood Tablets of Mesopotamian pagan society" and the Biblical account?

And, would you mind explaining why you call this a "Catholic staple", when it originated in the Jewish scriptures and when Christians believe it as well?

 

[Hentenza]

<staff edit>

Nope. There are similarities on accounts given the available (or unavailatibilty) of written text in those days. The pre Judean and Judean histories are unique.
You really should stop getting your info from atheists websites and actually study the material.

 

[EvangelicalChristian]

Are agnostics permitted to teach on this forum?

 

[EvangelicalChristian]

I don't know that's why I asked. I think that for the Christian Only boards that Agnostics are not permitted to teach.

 

[Hentenza]

Are they allowed to share beliefs?

You are allowed to fellowship in the congregational forums but you can not debate. I would suggest that you post your questions in Exploring Christianity (link). I would also suggest that you read CF posting rules by following this link. Thanks.