Can you be a Christian, and interpret the Bible metaphorically?

Question

In other words, do you HAVE to interpret the Bible in literal terms if you are to be considered a Christian? This is to atheists, agnostics, and theists (everyone).

Answer 1

I love Moses:



I will raise my Iron Rod,

I will spread the Red Sea,

I will deliver the Israelites,

into the Land of Milk and Honey.



Must've been all that Horny Goat Weed.

Answer 2

Some parts of the Bible are literal, some parts are prose, some parts are figurative.The key to rightly interpreting the Bible is identifying what parts are what. One who asserts everything should be interpreted literally is mislead. One who asserts everything should be interpreted figuratively is equally mislead. In most cases it is fairly easy to distinguish what should be interpreted literally, and what should be interpreted figuratively, but about 20% is ambiguous. In most of those cases there are parallel passages or other clues that help a person to distinguish the true interpretation. About 10% it is just not clear, so in those cases it is best not to be too dogmatic on any interpretation.

Answer 3

We are to know and do this:

Only God can reveal the meaning of his word, the bible. So if we want to know the truth we must ask God to show us meanings and give us understanding or we just guess. Before we start reading the bible ask God for knowledge and understanding, then we can know and understand it as God gives it to us. The bible is Martian to us, so read it this way. God has to help us understand or we can not understand much of it.

If I wanted to know something written is Martian, I would go to someone that speaks Martian and ask them what it means so that I may understand what it says. Or I could look at it, not understanding, then say it means this or that: not knowing Martian, I could try to make it mean whatever i wanted, though this would not be the right interpretation.

Many do this with the bible, it is God's word and only God can tell us the meaning of things and give us understanding too. Or we just guess or make something up. So go to God and ask him directly for the truth of his word. And God can do this through any bible, not just some but all.

hope this helps and take care.



Many try to do it alone and we all fail in that. We need to seek Jesus in prayer then ask for knowledge and understanding and then start reading. Then if we do this, Jesus will teach us what we need to know each time we do it.

So the more we do it, the more we can know.

bless you.

Answer 4

You must interpret the bible literally to be a Christian. Thats why I'm no longer a Christian

Answer 5

You don't have to interpret the Bible. Take it as it is, I am sure that near you there are other Christians that will help you to understand it.

Answer 6

Yes, you can be Christian and interpret the Bible metaphorically. That's what Catholics do.

Answer 7

That's the only way for the bible to be interpreted

Answer 8

Revelation 20:12

Answer 9

some things (most notably the resurrection) are cornerstones of the faith and should be read as literal. Others treat as allegories and focus on the lesson being taught rather than the plausability.

Answer 10

You can and most Christians do to an extent. If this works for you, go with it.

Answer 11

umad Son of Man?

Answer 12

No, you don't have to interpret it literally. 'Tis why I'm not a Creationist.

Answer 13

No.



You're just looking for excuses to abandon your faith.



Know what Jesus told Pilate? "All those who love the truth are my disciple."



Only the courageous need apply.

Answer 14

seek and ye shall find :) i did :) and still looking for more :)