The Bible: Literal or Figurative

Is the Bible supposed to be taken as literal truth or is it a book of applicable moral suggestions?The Bible was written by fallible men and it is the "inspired" word of God which makes it subject to error through the translation from "above", to the mind of man, to paper... So, how does one deal with that?From the "world view" some would say that the book of Genesis contradicts modern scientific theory. Therefore, they would say the Bible has to be figurative does it not? Yes, men are fallible but why would God let fallible men write erroneous details if he knew they would put it in (God being omniscient is assumed)? Such is my understanding. From the world point of view does an "erroneous" book "weed out" people of lesser faith? Are the holy warriors in Revelation who stay on earth to fight the last apocalyptic battles the most "hard-headed" christians? (the rest disappearing for whatever reason)Continuing along that assumption, if the Bible is meant to be figurative, then what does that imply about Jesus and his acts? For that matter what does it imply about any power Jesus claims to have? Are they stories too? Why and how can we believe he truely is the son of God?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?This message has been edited by Mission for Truth, 06-20-2004 08:20 PMThis message has been edited by Mission for Truth, 06-20-2004 08:27 PMThis message has been edited by Mission for Truth, 06-21-2004 12:10 PMThis message has been edited by Mission for Truth, 06-22-2004 01:19 PM

No prob... I'll see what I can do

quote:

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Some would say that the book of Genesis contradicts modern scientific theory

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Is that OK? I know it's kind of the same thing but now it's less 'heavy' of an impact and also I need that point to be able to go on with the rest of what I was saying.

I totally understand what you're saying, I can see how it would go right off. I was just hoping the non-christians would answer, but, I can't really choose my audience here, lol. I'll try and reformat it a little more.

I've revised it a little more now to try and make it less of a hot topic for creationists who might get offended. I wasn't trying to be offensive in the first place either, but, to "oppose" the bible by asking common sense questions, I guess, will always be an offense to believers.

...I want answers, pls.