The Bible: Literal or Figurative

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Originally posted by Mission for Truth

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Such as I understand, certain credibilities become hazy when viewed with a figurative mental pretense. But, that is my question, DO we take it as figurative? Or not? And if so, does it cause problems?

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Has this thread strayed from the intent of the OP already? I hope Mission for Truth will correct me if I am wrong, but it seems to me that the question being asked is: If the bible is taken figuratively instead of literally, how does this effect modern Christian doctrine? For instance: If the Adam and Eve story is figurative, then (regardless of any argument that it "still contains God's truth"), the doctrine of original sin is immediately called into question.Obvious parables and certain other stories in the bible can certainly be taken in a figurative sense. However, if the tenets of Christian doctrine are to be taken seriously and literally, huge portions of the biblical text must be taken to be literal as well.Just my 2 cents,Amlodhi

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Originally posted by jar

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Nope. It most certainly is not very important at all.

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Hi jar,Most interesting. I think this is pointing in the right direction now. A few questions come immediately to mind then, for example:"Then why did Jesus need to be born of a virgin?"Could be an interesting discussion. But not one for my sleep deprived mind.Later,Amlodhi

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jar replies:

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That is part of the divinity of Jesus.

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OK. I can accept that.What about the genealogies then, are they to be taken figuratively also? There was no Cain? No Abel? Noah? When would you say that real people begin to be described?Do understand, jar, I'm not baiting you. I have no emotional investment in this. I am pure skeptic. This is purely of academic interest to me, but very interesting, nonetheless.namaste'Amlodhi

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Originally posted by Hangdawg13

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Now can you prove that?

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Hi Hangdawg13,In this thread he really doesn't need to prove it. I can understand why you would feel compelled to ask that question, but this thread isn't about "proof", not in the sense you're asking for.The OP question is, "Can the bible be figurative?". IOW, the only thing that needs to be "proven" is that a given figurative reading remains consistent with the rest of scripture and also still supports basic Christian doctrine.I (for one) will be interested to see just where that line of inquiry will lead.Amlodhi