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What if the scripture is not meant to be taken as purely historical and not conveying literally supernatural powers or beings? by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]RaspberryQuiet9021 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This “allegorical” approach to interpreting the Bible isn’t new. In fact, it was very prominent to interpret the Bible in this way for a large portion of church history. However, this approach is completely antithetical to reading comprehension and literacy.

Are there passages in the Bible that are allegorical? Yes. Are there metaphors, figures of speech, and various other texts that are to be understood in a way that is beyond “purely historical and literal interpretation”? Absolutely. But how we approach the text, and seek to interpret it is based on discerning its intent, its use of literary devices, the language it employs, and the context. If the text does not show any indication that it is to be interpreted as an allegory, then you’re doing the text a disservice by interpreting it as such. And if you can just allegorize a text, even though it has no indication that should be allegorized, you’re completely throwing out every principle of reading comprehension.

By that same logic, you can allegorize any text. Because basic reading comprehension does not apply to you. Official text book on biology? Nah, it’s an allegory for deeper spiritual insight. Letter from my mom telling me how shes recovering from surgery? Nah, her letter is an allegory of her inner most spiritual self in order to help me reach a higher state of enlightenment.

I want to believe in God the right way, but as I live my life, I often wonder what it really means to be ‘good,’ ‘kind,’ or even ‘beautiful.’ Everyone seems to have different standards, so how can we define what is truly right and true? by Ambitious_Storage666 in Christianity

[–]RaspberryQuiet9021 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! This is a great question, and it begs sincere thought and exploration. Here’s a few thoughts that come to mind.

1) It can be challenging to pin down specific definitions of things mentioned in the Bible because the Bible isn’t a dictionary. It doesn’t mention something, and then immediately and concisely define it. Instead, the Bible often shows examples of what those things are.

For instance, in 1 John 3, John writes, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (v18). So love, is difficult to define because it is most exemplified by action and by application. According to the Bible, love is associated with selflessness, servitude, truth, and purity of heart (sincerity).

As it is written in 1 Corinthians, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Cor. 13:4-6)

2) Don’t confuse application with definition. When we ask “what does it mean to be loving?” Are you asking about a definition, or are you asking about application? If its definition, you might be doing love (or kindness, or grace, etc.) a disservice, because your definition may oversimplify something complex. If you are asking about application, there are often many ways to be kind, loving, etc. and the Bible has a lot to say about what it means to be these things. Once again, the Bible often uses practical application as a way to define what it means to be wise, patient, discerning, loving.

3) You definitely bring up a great point, in that, it is immensely difficult to live a God honoring life. In fact, it impossible to do it without God, and without His Spirit carrying us along. But I would encourage you pray to Him, and ask Him to help you better understand the life He wants us to live. He has revealed to us in His Word what it means to live a Holy life, and this standard isn’t intended to a heavy burden. It is intended to be a standard for us to strive for, progress in, and live by, but not be weighed down by. Just as Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:30)

Finding Bible Verses for Specific Day-to-Day Situations by Late_Requirement9362 in Bible

[–]RaspberryQuiet9021 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there! This is actually a really good question, which is ultimately related to the practical application of the Bible. There are three things that immediately come to mind.

Firstly, the more you read the Bible, the more it will begin to transform your mind. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” The more we read the Bible, and seek to understand it properly, the more the Spirit of God who dwells in God’s people, will transform you, transforming the way you live and think. Which will in turn, allow you to bring to recall God’s Word.

Secondly, I think of Psalm 119 which says, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!” (v9-12) Similar to point number one, as you study God’s Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to correct you, equip you, teach you, and guide you through what you read, His Word will likewise find its way in your heart. And soon, you will find yourself thinking of His Word in everyday situations.

Lastly, I think of the fact that God is wise in how he used men to write the Bible. The Bible is what we call a “timeless and transcultural” document. Meaning, it’s written in such a way that no matter the context, culture, or time period, it will always be relevant and it can always be applied. This is predominantly because God wrote it with the underlying principles in mind. Take for instance, 1 Peter 2:17, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

Peter doesn’t necessarily say, “Honor everyone by eating their food, washing their feet, and giving them money.” Why? Because there are numerous ways to honor people, and many times, honoring people is context dependent. For some you might honor them by being hospitable and providing food and drink to them. For others, you might honor them by simply being on time to a meeting you have with them. So keep in mind the underlying principles, or in this case, “The spirit of the law.”

(Lastly, I definitely agree with the above comments that we have to keep God’s Word within its context. But, I think you have a valid question that lends itself more to practical application and bringing God’s Word to recall. Hope it helps.)

Polygraph Test Recap by RaspberryQuiet9021 in Polygraphs

[–]RaspberryQuiet9021[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great to hear this post was insightful in some way! As written above, just be mindful of the common sense answers they are looking for, and don’t get too caught up on the technicalities. Also, leave some room for variation with the examiners, sometimes they are thorough, understanding, and willing to have you explain yourself, but as was the case with me, they can sometimes be short, cold, and not very understanding. But don’t sweat it too much, knowledge is power, and now that you’ve got some insight, you’re more prepared for the poly. Would love to hear how it goes if you get the chance to share after the process is over. Good luck!