The Bible Says...
Photo by Aaron Burden / Unsplash
“The Bible says”. For some, these words precede a definitive statement, story, or fact. For others, it opens the door to ambiguity and debate. After two decades of ministry, being trained in Hebrew and Greek, the historical-critical method, and teaching Bible studies in four countries, I’ve realized one truth: the Bible says whatever the reader wants. People will twist the text to get the answer and justification they desire.
In most churches I served, the congregants believed the Bible to be the literal word of God. They believe in the six-day creation story, Adam and Eve, David wrote each Psalm, and Jesus returned to heaven by flying into the sky. If I offered alternative interpretations of these events, some held for centuries by respected Jewish scholars, I would be met with blank stares.
Growing up in a religious family, the Bible has always been integral to my life. I was never explicitly taught to be a literalist, viewing the Bible as the infallible word of God. Instead, we took the Bible at face value. The Bible said what it said. Why would I (or anyone else) doubt its factual accuracy?
This was the default setting from which we read the Bible in Sunday School, confirmation class, and youth group. What I didn’t realize was that it was literalism by another name. Literalism with a softer “Methodist” edge. In many ways, this is the literalism I encountered in most congregations I served. However, as I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and critical thinking, I gradually moved away from this perspective. Each Sunday, it became challenging to preach texts that could not be true, as true, to people who were unwilling to consider parts of the Bible as allegory, myth, or legend. I felt like I was lying. It was challenging to look myself in the mirror. I was telling people what they wanted to hear, not the best interpretations of the Bible based on solid scholarship. I knew if I did that, I would make people uncomfortable, and my commitment to Christianity would be questioned.
I want to explain why I no longer adhere to a literal interpretation of the Bible and instead embrace a more symbolic and open-minded approach.
One of the key reasons for my shift away from literalism was understanding the historical and cultural context in which the Bible was written. The Bible is a collection of ancient texts written (a library of books of different genres contained in one book) by various authors over centuries. To interpret it literally ignores the rich cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and literary devices commonplace in those times. Without this context, a literal interpretation can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
Advancements in science and our understanding of the natural world have challenged literal interpretations of specific biblical passages. For instance, the biblical account of creation in Genesis conflicts with the well-established scientific theory of evolution. As I delved deeper into the scientific literature and engaged in discussions with experts, it became clear that reconciling these discrepancies required a more symbolic approach to the Bible.
Upon closer examination, I discovered numerous contradictions and inconsistencies within the Bible. For instance, various accounts of certain events and moral teachings in different books seem to conflict. Embracing a literal interpretation would require accepting these contradictions as absolute truths, which I found intellectually unsatisfying and untenable.
The Bible has allegorical and symbolic passages that convey deeper spiritual or moral truths. These narratives often use parables, metaphors, and symbolism to communicate profound lessons. Ignoring these literary devices and interpreting them literally can lead to a shallow understanding of the Bible's intended message.
Society's moral and ethical values have evolved. While the Bible contains valuable moral guidance, it also includes passages that condone practices such as slavery, sexism, and violence. Recognizing the ethical progression of society, I found it necessary to approach the Bible with a discerning eye, distinguishing between timeless moral principles and cultural artifacts of the past.
Engaging in interfaith dialogue with individuals from diverse religious backgrounds revealed the importance of being open to differing interpretations of sacred texts. Literalism often hinders constructive dialogue and understanding between faith communities. Embracing a figurative interpretation allows for greater flexibility and mutual respect in such discussions.
In abandoning a literal interpretation of the Bible, I have embarked on a personal growth journey. By acknowledging the historical context, embracing scientific knowledge, addressing contradictions, appreciating allegory and symbolism, recognizing ethical progress, and fostering interfaith dialogue, I see the Bible as a profound source of spiritual guidance that transcends rigid literalism. My belief in its enduring relevance and significance remains unwavering, even as I explore its depths with a more open and symbolic approach.
This post is republished with the author's permission from his Substack blog.