Smile: How do Christians know when the bible is metaphorical or not?
Like whenever you point out how the bible says that the earth has four corners around it in revelations. And when Isaiah calls the earth a circle even though a circle is a 2 dimensional shape by definition unless it’s a sphere. Why do they just say the bible doesn’t really say the earth is flat and those are just metaphors? How do they know when it’s a metaphor or not?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Xo
Some denominations of Christianity believe it is litteral, some believe it is metaphorical. It depends what denomination you believe in.
It’s quite simple, really.
Whatever is no longer acceptable in today’s society is metaphorical.
Everything else is literal.
Answer by MuldahThrough context usually – and with a healthy dose of common sense
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Answer by ExodiafinderIt’s common sense when you have studied the bible. When you hear someone say he was an animal do you think they are literally calling him an animal with fur and everything or do you realize it is a metaphor? Same thing with Christians and the bible.Answer by Deep Thought
I guess education and common sense has something to do with it.
For instance: Four corners is an expression that refers to “the entire earth”, and is an expression found outside the bible. It does not mean that there are four corners around the earth– this is something I was taught back when I was in school…..wow, you are a brilliant one aren’t you?
Answer by tbf-acSome say it is all literal, others say it has metaphorical aspects to it.
Both have issues and christians have excuses for these issues either way.
They come up with illogical and irrational explanations. Some say that we are misinterpreting the Bible even though it is in plain English what it says.
Answer by JeanmarieI have a brain and I use it.Answer by John S, BaC
When the text indicates it.
The Bible does not say he earth has 4 corners, or is flat.
Answer by My spelling sucks tonightYeah, that’s called twisting it to fit their lifestyle and their beliefs…. I like how so many claim it’s not literal, yet “follow” it’s every word….. how? IDK….. impossible… that’s like me telling my mom to go set her self ablaze and she drives to the car wash cos the triple shine shield comes out in shades of pinks, oranges and yellows…. so it looks like fire…. so therefore it counts….. or something… that’s the bible and it’s followers in a nutshell……. take certain parts literally, but not others……..Answer by macattakk2000
good question, in language the context usually determines the passage. for instance when Jesus said a man must be born again in John 3, it would be ridiculous to think that a man could return ot his mother and Jesus plainly stated this , a man must be born of the spirit…same with communion eat my flesh and drink my blood jesus goes on to say the words were spirit, but that didn’t stop the literal meaning from entering Catholic teaching. The general rule is it is literal unless words like or as are used or the literal meaning makes no sense. Revelation says Jesus will rule for 1000 years, Satan will be bound 1000 years, there is no reason to think this is spiritual, same with the 144,000 they are Jews from the 12 tribes mentioned…the literal approach can be reconciled with the old testament, if you spiritualize the church as replacing israel many passages must be spiritualized. Many of these interpretation would never be reached by just reading the text. The bible is not a mystery but a revelation. God did not try to confuse us but give us concrete ideas of what HIs will and plan is.Answer by Suffice to say…
the Holy Spirit will guide you to all truthAnswer by JC Rules!
Well for one your interpretation of the readings is without logic the four corners refers to (1) NORTH,(2) SOUTH,(3) EAST and (4) WEST.Answer by Ken
Christians can and will make up anything they need to make their case…that’s why there are so many forms of christianity. They are trying to make logical arguements based on a book that is pretty mixed-up, plenty of inconsistencies, conflicting statements and gibberish.
It is very unfair of you to lump Christians all in one group. There are some that are pretty normal in their interpretations of the bible and behavior; and do not try to force their belief system on others, and then there are christians who are plain wacko with their snakes, talking in tongues and finding golden tablets no one has ever seen.
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