Bible literalists...?

Question

I asked a question a little while ago regarding interpretation of scripture.
Can you respond to some of the answers given by those against literal interpretation?

"...as Paul wrote in his 2nd letter to Timothy "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: "And Peter wrote " Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.""

"I have never regarded advice to interpret the Bible literally with any more seriousness than if someone were to tell me I must interpret Shakespeare’s writings literally, presumably including phrases like “Juliet is the Sun.” I feel it is sufficient to understand the Scriptures to be the Word of God, without demanding that it not include any metaphors or other figures of speech."

"No, because those who do so end up fragmenting into thousands of conflicting manmade denominations. I am a member of the original Christian Church, founded by Jesus Christ for all mankind, the Church the Bible refers to as "the pillar and foundation of truth". That's where I look for true and authoritative interpretation - to the Church to which Christ promised "whatsoever you bind upon earth is bound in heaven", and "the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth", and "he who hears you hears Me". The Church that has remained united in faith, united in teaching and united in worship throughout the world for 2,000 years, without disintegrating into denominations. That is where Christ intends us to find the truth, not in futile attempts at self-interpretation of early Catholic writings."

Answer 1

The word spirit means to speak not inspire. They always make that mistake when they translate from one language to the next.

Those versions they have today didn't come in English. Jesus never wrote anything down nor did Moses.

Answer 2

Well, the first is simple to answer: Peter clearly indicates that no **prophecy** of Scripture should be interpreted privately. We see the results of such things all around us - TV preachers like Hal Lindsey, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, etc.





The second is accurate. Obviously, not *all* of Scripture is literal. However, **in most cases**, Scripture itself clearly indicates when a passage is not literal (identifying a vision, a dream, symbolism, a parable, etc.) In most other instances metaphor is very obvious (e.g. I am the vine, you are the branches). In only a very few passages is there any *reasonable* excuse to support a non-literal interpretation.when that is not indicated by the context. Such passages continue to be a source of division between sects.



The third is inaccurate because, in fact, the bible claims that God is the pillar and foundation of truth - as we would all reasonably expect. Here's the verse

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1ti%203:15&multilayout=cols&version1=49&version2=9





Jim, http://www.christianwebprogramming.com/br/

Answer 3

2 Timothy 3:16 is one of ther most abused verses of scripture. The preceeding 2 verses are NEVER quoted, because they rebutt the man-made theory of sola scriptura.



[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed,(TRADITION) knowing from whom you learned it (MAGISTERIUM)

[15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings (SCRIPTURE) which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.



[16] All scripture (it does not say "only scripture") is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

[17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.



Note verse 14. It admonishes Timothy to do three things:



1) Remember what you have learned and firmly believed (Tradition)

2) Know from whom you learned it (Magisterium)

3) Know you have the Scriptures



The Bible on St. Paul's list comes in third, not first. He actually gives here the traditional Catholic teaching on the three sources of sound teaching.



In verse 15 he goes into an excursus on the Bible. This brief excursus emphasizes the value of the Bible and recommends a fourfold method of exegesis. This verse was used in the pre-Deformation Church as a proof text for the Quadriga which was the standard Catholic approach to the Bible. The Quadriga method used the following four categories:



Literal/Literary (teaching)

- the text as it is written Analogical (reproof)

- matters of faith Anagogical (correction) - matters of hope/prophecy Moral (training in righteousness) - matters of charity



The analogical, anagogical and moral senses of the Bible were known collectively as the spiritual senses.



Furthermore, Protestants use "man of God" to mean each and every individual believer. In every instance "man of God" is used in scripture, and there are several, it is either one who is called directly by God or one who is ordained by a higher authority. Any search will confirm this fact.

Answer 4

Actually, God does use a lot of figures of speech and he does so to make certain points within his word. Also, while it is nice to see you quoting the scriptures it might help you to know that the Greek words used in 2 Timothy 3:16 for "given by inspiration of God" is the words theo pneustos and literally means God breathed. So, all scripture is God breathed is what it really says and it gives that part a lot more umph if you ask me.

Answer 5

Christian Fundamentalist is a complete contradiction in terms!!



CHRISTIAN – A follower or believer in Jesus.



FUNDAMENTALIST One who believes the Bible is literally true and must be followed exactly.



Therefore they are followers of the bible and not Jesus making them non Christians!!!



But worse is to follow it also makes them ideologists.



IDEOLOGY An idea that is false or held for the wrong reasons but is believed with such conviction as to be irrefutable.



So Christians have a loving and forgiving god and fundamentalist - well - Just are not Christians!!!!

Answer 6

Hey, congratulations! Welcome to my church. You pray in the Spirit also; speak in tongues? Cast out devils and lay hands on the sick? you go out and make disciples, baptising in teh name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (no, I am not a "legally" ordained minister, either, don't need to be!) Glad to have found some more of us!



Oh - there are parts of teh scriptures which are NOT literal.

Answer 7

Quite often Jesus spoke using parables and illustrations that were familiar to the people of the day. You can't take every single thing literally....you have the context and determine what the message behind it is.

Answer 8

I could´nt agree more. Christ is not divided, for Catholic was not crucified for us, nor were we baptized in the name of Protestant; and while multitudes say, I am of Catholic, or I am of Protestant, they are yet carnal, and walk as do the secular.

Answer 9

Yes i can.

Answer 10

I am not sure if this is a question or recommendation, STOP advertising for a fictional book and trying to prove its none senses,,,

This is a "FICTIONAL " book don't you get it....??