Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally

[*AQuietPlace*]

I've been thinking about this the past few days, and whether the stories in the Bible are literal, or allegorical, it doesn't affect my faith in God one iota. I still believe there is a God, and I still believe that He wants a relationship with man. I don't need the stories to prove to me that there is a God. I believe He's real, and He's holy.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

If creation is a myth how can one believe Yeshua is the maker of all things? That kind of faith does not save imo. If I could not believe God is the Creator I would eat, drink, and be merry.

While you and I agree with the literal interpretation of the text, I'd like to share my thoughts. If the creation is a myth, it's a divine myth. It illustrates that indeed God/Jesus is the creator (by whatever mechanism), illustrates how mankind falls from innocence, and how God seeks to redeem mankind.

It's like the story about the little boy who cried wolf. Eventually no one believed him when a wolf really did enter in. While I highly doubt there was a little boy who literally cried wolf etc., this story embodies a universal truth.

The Genesis story, if allegorical, could be said to contain "divine truth" or "divinely inspired truth" but not be factual.

So while I, like you am a literalist, I don't discount the allegorical interpretation outright without further examination.