literal or not

Luke 3:11 says whoever has two coats should give one away. Why do Christians with closets full of coats insist that Genesis must be read literally?

Originally posted by catstorm
Luke 3:11 says whoever has two coats should give one away. Why do Christians with closets full of coats insist that Genesis must be read literally?

Figuratively, it means give to the poor and rely on God for your needs.

Yes, but if some verses are meant figuratively and others are meant literally, who decides which is which, and by what authority?

Originally posted by catstorm
Yes, but if some verses are meant figuratively and others are meant literally, who decides which is which, and by what authority?

Well, when the Bible is defending slavery, racism, genocide, infanticide, etc. then it is obviously figurative. But when it's cool stuff or things that conform to our pre-determined prejudices, then it's literal.

Originally posted by catstorm
Yes, but if some verses are meant figuratively and others are meant literally, who decides which is which, and by what authority?

It's a whole study...

http://www.truthortradition.com/?s=figures+of+speech

Originally posted by catstorm
Luke 3:11 says whoever has two coats should give one away. Why do Christians with closets full of coats insist that Genesis must be read literally?

Why did you say "Genesis must be read literally"? Who made up that rule?

Originally posted by catstorm
Luke 3:11 says whoever has two coats should give one away. Why do Christians with closets full of coats insist that Genesis must be read literally?

Where in Genesis do you see Christians with closets full of coats?

Originally posted by catstorm
Luke 3:11 says whoever has two coats should give one away. Why do Christians with closets full of coats insist that Genesis must be read literally?

Can I keep all of my coats if I have more than two?

Originally posted by catstorm
Luke 3:11 says whoever has two coats should give one away. Why do Christians with closets full of coats insist that Genesis must be read literally?

He couldn't have been meaning anyone who lived in the tropics.
Literally.

I am talking about people who do insist that Genesis must be read literally while picking and choosing which other verses are figurative. The closets full of coats are not in Genesis but in real life.

Originally posted by catstorm
I am talking about people who do insist that Genesis must be read literally while picking and choosing which other verses are figurative. The closets full of coats are not in Genesis but in real life.

Reading the Bible is much the same as reading any other work of literature. The same literary tools apply. It's not a question of "picking and choosing". It's a matter of study. Keep in mind though that the words are inspired, unlike the writings of mere men.

http://literary-devices.com

Originally posted by josephw
Reading the Bible is much the same as reading any other work of literature. The same literary tools apply. It's not a question of "picking and choosing". It's a matter of study. Keep in mind though that the words are inspired, unlike the writings of mere men.

http://literary-devices.com

How do you explain differences of interpretation as to what is supposedly allegory and what is taken to be literally true between Christians who have studied scripture?

Originally posted by josephw
Reading the Bible is much the same as reading any other work of literature. The same literary tools apply. It's not a question of "picking and choosing". It's a matter of study. Keep in mind though that the words are inspired, unlike the writings of mere men.

http://literary-devices.com

...Keep in mind though that the words are inspired...
Why should you keep this in mind? How do you know this?

Originally posted by avalanchethecat
[b]...Keep in mind though that the words are inspired...
Why should you keep this in mind? How do you know this?[/b]

How I know the words are inspired is how I know anything about God.

That's not at confusing as it sounds. It's quite simple and easy to understand when one understands this one very basic idea, i.e. that what is know about God is revealed by God to man. A man cannot learn about God what God does not teach about Himself. God is the final authority. A man is merely an echo of the nature, attributes and character of God.

If the Word of God is not true, then what is?

Asking if the Bible should be taken literally is a usually trick question.

Tell them it should be taken at face value.


Greg Koukle on Take the Bible at Face Value?

YouTube