A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life
A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life
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I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe, –that unless I believed, I should not understand.-- St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)
3 comments:
So the message of Genesis is a literal message given via a metaphorical story.
I found this helpful. I've often struggled with entering the fray of literal/metaphorical interpretations because I've felt like they were missing more important questions. I appreciate getting at the "intent" of the author.
I was recently talking with a fellow young UMC pastor. He was recounting how a church member recently asked him if he believed the Bible literally - and he said "no." I wanted to ask him if he literally believed that Jesus was crucified or that St. Paul traveled to Rome (because I strongly suspect he does in fact believe that).
It seems to me that the Bible has different genres which are intended to be read differently: historical narratives, parables, visions, prayers, etc. To even answer the question with a "yes" or a "no" is to miss an important teaching opportunity.
Unfortunately, it does seem that we ministers too often fall into captivity to over-simplifications when we talk about the Bible or theology.
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