The gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing, please don't make a mockery of Gods Word. You cherry pick the bible, at your own peril. You're accusing God of hypocrisy and double standards.
My goodness!
You really believe we should hate our father and mother, children?
When interpreting the Bible, the decision to approach it literally or figuratively depends largely on the genre of the text, its context, and the intent of the author. The Bible includes different types of literature—history, poetry, prophecy, parables, and epistles—each of which may require a different approach. Here’s a guide to help discern whether to interpret passages literally or figuratively:
1. Literal Interpretation:
A literal interpretation means understanding the text in its plain, straightforward sense, taking the words at face value as they are presented.
Historical Narratives (e.g., Genesis, Exodus, the Gospels): These are generally understood literally, as they describe real events, people, and places. For example, the accounts of Jesus' life in the Gospels or the history of Israel in the Old Testament are taken to describe actual events.
Doctrinal and Ethical Teachings (e.g., Epistles of Paul): Teachings about salvation, Christian living, and doctrine are usually understood literally unless context indicates symbolism or metaphor. For instance, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) is clearly a literal command.
Examples of Literal Interpretation:
The resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24) is a literal historical event.
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) are literal laws meant to be followed.
2. Figurative Interpretation:
A figurative interpretation applies when the text uses metaphors, symbols, parables, or poetic language to convey deeper or abstract meanings.
Poetry and Wisdom Literature (e.g., Psalms, Proverbs): These books often use figurative language to express spiritual truths, emotional experiences, or moral lessons. For example, in Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd," the idea is not that God is literally a shepherd but that He cares for His people as a shepherd cares for his sheep.
Prophetic and Apocalyptic Literature (e.g., Daniel, Revelation): These genres often use symbolism and imagery to describe future events or spiritual realities. For instance, the beast in Revelation (Revelation 13:1-18) is typically understood as a symbol of a world power or a person, not a literal creature.
Parables (e.g., Luke 15:11-32 - the Parable of the Prodigal Son): Parables are stories Jesus used to illustrate spiritual lessons, often filled with figurative meaning. They are not meant to be taken literally but to teach moral or spiritual truths through fictional scenarios.
Examples of Figurative Interpretation:
Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29): This is figurative language signifying Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
The “Sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17): This refers to the Word of God, not a literal sword.
Principles for Deciding Literal vs. Figurative:
Context:
What is the immediate context of the passage? Look at the surrounding verses and the overall purpose of the book.
For instance, if the text is clearly written in a narrative or historical genre (e.g., Genesis 1), a literal interpretation is often appropriate. If the passage is prophetic or poetic (e.g., Psalms or Revelation), it is more likely figurative.
Genre:
Identify the genre of the text. Historical books are primarily literal. Poetry and prophecy often use figurative language.
Hebrew poetry (e.g., Psalms) is rich in metaphor and symbolism, requiring a figurative approach, while narrative sections (e.g., 1 Samuel) are usually literal.
Author’s Intent:
Ask what the author’s intent is. For example, did the author intend to convey a spiritual truth through symbolism, or are they recording an actual event? Jesus’ use of parables is clearly figurative because His intent was to teach lessons through symbolic stories.
Harmonizing with Scripture:
Does the interpretation align with the broader teaching of the Bible? Sometimes literal interpretations lead to theological problems or contradictions, so figurative interpretations provide a more harmonious understanding.
For example, Jesus’ statement, “I am the door” (John 10:9), is not to be understood literally as a wooden door, but figuratively as the way to salvation.
Cultural and Historical Background:
Understanding the culture and historical context of the time can help determine if something should be taken literally or figuratively. Ancient Eastern literature, for instance, is filled with symbolism and should be interpreted accordingly.
Literal Interpretation is used when the text clearly conveys factual history, commands, or doctrine, especially in narrative and epistolary genres.
Figurative Interpretation is used when the text contains symbolic language, parables, or prophecy, especially in poetic, prophetic, or apocalyptic genres.
The key is to discern the genre, context, and intent of the passage before deciding on an interpretive approach.
Balancing both methods ensures a responsible and meaningful engagement with Scripture.
And there are some here who think I have lost my marbles using the ancient hermeneutical approach to Scriptures-the donkey and 2 by four approach.
