the distinguishing characteristics of conservative christianity

[unworldly]

But it seems to me that sometimes Bible intentionally uses metaphorical language,

 

so maybe metaphorical interpretation is inevitable in some cases.

[Tinky]

But it seems to me that sometimes Bible intentionally uses metaphorical language,

 

so maybe metaphorical interpretation is inevitable in some cases.

 

 

In some cases yes, but there is always literal truth behind it. 

[unworldly]

I guess some people have been brainwashed by the mass media and unjustified scientific claims,and that's the reason why they come up with very metaphorical interpretations.

[Guest shiloh357]

But it seems to me that sometimes Bible intentionally uses metaphorical language,

 

so maybe metaphorical interpretation is inevitable in some cases.

The idea behind interpretation is get at the literal intent of the author.  We do this almost unconsciously when it comes to other types of literature.  We don't read a fictional novel the same way we read a cookbook.  We don't read poetry the same way we read a biography.  We naturally adjust our understanding to the intent of the author and the genre of literature we are reading.

 

But for some reason, that all goes out the window when it comes to the Bible for some people.  To interpret the Bible literally means that we read the text in the light of the object the author has in view.  We let the author tell us what he means.   Interpretation is always objective.  it is never based on what the reader wants the text to mean, but is based on the meaning the author wants us get from the text.

 

The Bible uses metaphors and other figures of speech. It uses some colorful imagery and literary devices, but as Tinky said, we need to understand the literal meaning behind the devices. 

 

We have to be careful to distinguish between a face value approach which is a wooden hyper-literal approach in most cases vs. a literal approach which allows the Bible to tell us what it means.

[Tinky]

 

But it seems to me that sometimes Bible intentionally uses metaphorical language,

 

so maybe metaphorical interpretation is inevitable in some cases.

The idea behind interpretation is get at the literal intent of the author.  We do this almost unconsciously when it comes to other types of literature.  We don't read a fictional novel the same way we read a cookbook.  We don't read poetry the same way we read a biography.  We naturally adjust our understanding to the intent of the author and the genre of literature we are reading.

 

But for some reason, that all goes out the window when it comes to the Bible for some people.  To interpret the Bible literally means that we read the text in the light of the object the author has in view.  We let the author tell us what he means.   Interpretation is always objective.  it is never based on what the reader wants the text to mean, but is based on the meaning the author wants us get from the text.

 

The Bible uses metaphors and other figures of speech. It uses some colorful imagery and literary devices, but as Tinky said, we need to understand the literal meaning behind the devices. 

 

We have to be careful to distinguish between a face value approach which is a wooden hyper-literal approach in most cases vs. a literal approach which allows the Bible to tell us what it means.

 

 

 

Dang, you're good. 

[Guest]

I guess some people have been brainwashed by the mass media and unjustified scientific claims,

 

and that's the reason why they come up with very

 

metaphorical interpretations.

 

 

Too Many Folk Have To Work Too Very Very Hard

 

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: Ephesians 3:9

 

And Heap Words Upon Heaping

 

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

 

Words

 

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

 

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

 

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Genesis 2:1-3

 

To Miss It

 

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

 

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

 

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

 

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11

 

Or So I Think

 

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

 

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

 

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you,

 

and that his fear may be before your faces,

 

that ye sin not.  Exodus 20:18-20

[unworldly]

WOW....that was an amazing answer!

 

thanks a lot !

[alphaparticle]

Oh well, when I think of what I would consider theological conservative Christianity it would be:

 

belief in the literal death and resurrection of Jesus.

belief in the authority of the Bible as specially inspired by God.

 

both things are rejected or modified by theologically liberal versions.

 

Also some other stuff tends to go along with that including a lot of creationism, emphasis on sexual aspects of morality including rejection of premarital sex and homosexuality and some other stuff less notably as far as I can tell.

 

There are a bunch of people who accept the core of theological conservatism who reject or modify other things that tend to go along with that. Yes, I have a bias in stating that last bit, but it is my  honest reflection on having been to both fairly conservative and liberal churches and looking at the doctrines and such so far.