A question for anyone who interprets the bible literally

Yeah, the creation story is a good example to look at. Anyone who really looks at that closely (and loosely interpretted) will see that it really doesn't really contradict evolution at all. I think that's really my whole point is that a lot of this stuff in that book simply CAN'T be interpretted literally - and to do so can cause a great deal of grief for a lot of people.

Thanks for your response! I liked the "magic decoder ring" analogy. Why is it that some people feel like THEY have the "magic decoder ring" and other people don't. That's just silly. At any rate, I really do appreciate your response. I've read through your posts and responses in other threads and I can tell that we think very much alike. I often consider myself a "cristo-pagan" or something along those lines, I don't even know. But at any rate, I just wanted to say that I really liked a lot of your writing and I felt like I really connected with a lot of the stuff that you posted even in other threads.

the bible doesn't contradict itself. the bible states a 2 Timothy 3:16 that ALL scripture is inspired of god. i hardly think that the one who inspired its writing is also going to contradict himself. i do know that biblically there is true and false religion and 99% of it is false. now im going to say something thats not popular...i know what the true religion is and im in it. im not going to tell you who im with because thats not what im here for. in fact im not really here to talk about religion...it just happened that this subject caught my eye. but Jesus himself said that from certain people the truth is hidden, either by being blinded Satan, or not being reveled in the first place. interestingly Jesus himself said that the these things have been hidden from "wise and intellectual ones" so if your having a problem understanding the scriptures than you probably fall under that category. the bible is no secret, mystery or even hard to understand. a couple of things that need to be taken into account is that the old testimate lead up to the new testimate, and the new testimate was the application and fulfillment of the old testimate and that you have to understand both to get the truth. and your only going to do that if you accept Gods help in doing that otherwise you can have all the intelligent thought in the world but if your using your "own mind" forming your "own thoughts" in trying to understand the bible...you automatically wrong every time. its about getting gods thoughts on it, not your own. and i found it funny that you said that "your not a sheep following blindly what others tell you is so" because Jesus referred to his disciples and followers as sheep....and that his sheep listen to his voice and they follow him." just food for thought.

"truth" is relative.. but congratulations on obtaining that magical decoder ring !

see in that case they don't really know what they are talking about. if a person really knows the truth from the bible they should be able to explain it, and if they cant right then and there, they would tell you that they would like to research the question first so they can give you an answer. "you need more faith" is not an acceptable answer. they should be able to explain it, whether it takes extra research to do so or not

I have to say that I'm a sucker for those people who come knock on your door to proselytize. I love to invite them in. As they start talking to me, I will start asking them questions about whatever it is they're telling me. Usually, within 30 minutes, they're backing out the door, going "uh uh uh, I'll have to get back to you." Because honestly, most people DONT know their faith well enough. They know the things that they've been taught, those few quotes that they're taught to repeat to other people, but in terms of what the real foundation of their faith is - a lot of people really don't understand the basis of their faith.

its not that they don't know their faith, but they are still human and perhaps the need to refresh their minds on certain subjects before they can make a answer. even the bible says that a wise person considers their steps and doesn't make an answer before hearing a matter. and sometimes a question you have they don't know off hand the answer too and have to look it up. its happened to me a few times and i wasn't even discussing the bible at the time. i know if im asked a question on the bible i want to give them a truthful answer and not give cop out replies trying to wing it.

I like your response! Very practical: 1. "What to do" 2. "How to do" 3. "Why to do" and the more fundamentalist or dogmatic: 4. "Just Do it" You've summed this up very very well. Thanks for this enlightened response. :)