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Why is the Bible ambiguous?

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Blessedj01

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Wait, what? You're not getting hung up on it but then you say that how I interpret the "fruit" will dramatically affect how I interpret the rest of the scriptures? That seems to be a contradiction...

There is deliberate "ambiguity" in the Bible, but the Bible is not ambiguous as a whole. Especially not in the context of the questions in the O.P.

For the record I totally disagree that the nature of the fruit described in Genesis will completely affect my outlook on the Bible. That's tantamount to saying that the vintage of the wine described in the gospels will affect my salvation.
 
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Blessedj01

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you seem to be equating ambiguous with vague.
They are two totally different things


this is ambiguous

That's a picture. It's not trying to say anything. The Bible is trying to say something - on that it is pretty clear - Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that all men are sinners who need His forgiveness.

Like I said, there may BE ambiguity in the Bible but the Bible is not ambiguous.
 
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Blessedj01

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a picture is worth a thousand words

No it's not. A thousand words are worth a thousand words.

A picture that's not meant to do anything else other than be a purpose built illusion that looks like two different things depending on how we focus our eyes on it, is not comparable to the Bible.

The Bible is a book with a specific message and was designed to teach us how to live. Within those messages there are many facets, but that doesn't make it an ambiguous book with all the connotations that would imply.

Furthermore God is clear about what he chooses to say, or not say. God is clear and decided and purposeful when He is not specific, even. God has a reason for everything He does. Look at the story of Job and you will see that God does not intend to give us ALL the answers in this life.
 
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granpa

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of course it's Jesus that saves us.

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
 
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Blessedj01

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The Holy Spirit is Living Water. I agree. I think...
 
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Mark51

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One definition of the word “interpret” is “to conceive in the light of individual belief, judgment, or circumstance.” (Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary) Thus, one’s interpretation of anything is usually influenced by one’s background, education, and upbringing. Therefore, we need to be aware that we do not make Bible interpretations/passages according to our own “belief, judgment, or circumstance.”

Twisting-unintentionally or deliberately-scriptures to fit our own ideas can result in lasting harm. (2 Peter 3:15, 16) Two things can help us to understand the Bible correctly. First, consider the context (surrounding verses) of any statement. Next, compare texts with other statements in the Bible that deal with the same subject. In that way we are letting God’s own Word guide our thinking, and the interpretation is not ours but his.

In pointing out the meaning of symbolic language in the Bible, they let the Bible provide its own explanation, instead of giving their theories as to its significance. (1 Corinthians 2:13) Indications as to the meaning of symbolic terms are usually found in other parts of the Bible. (As an example, see Revelation 21:1; then, regarding the meaning of “sea,” read Isaiah 57:20. To identify “the Lamb” referred to in Revelation 14:1, see John 1:29 and 1 Peter 1:19.)
 
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SkyWriting

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That would be expected if we were perfect created beings, but we are all sinners, every one.
But that has to do with our state-of-being. We are born into a world where God does not walk.
If we were born into heaven the situation would be quite different.

But this is not Heaven we are born into. Many have noticed, some refuse to grasp the situation.
 
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SkyWriting

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SkyWriting

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The difference is, off course, that no book in science is held up as the one and only truth.

I realize you haven't read it, but the Bible says it is not even needed for believers:

Romans 1:20 [Full Chapter]
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
 
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ken777

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God actually caused confusion because man was getting too-big-for-his-britches.
Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel
And Jesus said “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “ ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’

I sometimes think the Bible acts like a size grader sorting us into our categories. A bit like the parable of the talents: to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.


.
 
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paulm50

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Maybe because god doesn't exist. If he does the language of the bible is of little concern. What would be of great concern is the way we carry on treating each other, partly because he insists on staying invisible, you can only believe in him, if you believe he exists, he sent his son to a minor Roman Outpost, who never did that well, and when people see visions of god, Jesus, Mary, etc. Are the world leaders or farmers?

An appearance at the G8 or G20 would do a lot more than all the priests, cardinals and bishops have achieved in the last 4,000 years in getting us to follow his massage.
Good post. Do you agree your Church has interpreted the bible to it's own ends many times.

To me what's wrong with religions are the churches and the bigger they get, the more corrupt they become. Or are you suggesting because Paul wrote it in a letter to Timothy, it's divine?
 
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