Literal or Not

These are just my thoughts and observations - I do not present anything here as truths.  My faith does not depend on any of these views - although thinking about these subjects helps me feel closer to God.  I will talk to anyone about these views - let's learn from each other!

I really do not want to offend anyone by the following.  If it is crucial to your relationship with God that you believe that every word in the Bible is direct from God and must be interpreted as such, please go back!

On the other hand, if you believe it is impossible that that is true, maybe you should go back too!

I do not believe that a Christian should worry about this issue.  It is not one that should affect your relationship with God.  It may affect how you read the Bible and what you get from it - but Christ's call to us is clear.

Is it POSSIBLE that every word in the Bible is literally true?  If you believe in an omnipotent God, of course it is!  The fossil record could have been created to exercise our minds or to confuse us.  Otherwise impossible events could have happened by divine will.  

For me, the Bible is more useful to me in pursuing a relationship with God if I do not take it literally.  Just as Jesus used parables to teach us, I believe the Bible may use imagery to teach.  For me, the concept of original sin is just as useful whether or not Adam and Eve actually bit into a fruit.  I believe knowledge and sin go hand-in-hand.  I believe sin keeps us from God (but that Jesus removes that barrier).  I believe there are lessons in the chapters on Joseph (many-colored coat or robe).  The Bible is no less a blessing to me even if my faith is in Jesus and not necessarily in the accuracy of its translations or the original material.

I particularly run into problems with passages like Genesis 6:4 which has "Sons of God" having sex with human woman, birthing giants that were "heroes mentioned in legends of old".  I don't think I have to accept that as a literal truth to be a practicing Christian...  Sounds more like Greek or Roman gods, etc...

To those who feel that science denies God - is evolution less miraculous than creation?  My awe at God's creation is enhanced as we learn more about the miracle!

email me at doug@hardts.net