James
2009-07-17 01:20:31 UTC
Re: Interpreting the Bible: literally or metaphorically?
In the case of Jonah, because the style of the book is totally different
from all the other prophetic writings.
In the case of Noah, because it is plain that, as a historical event, it
did not happen exactly as described, so one must ask how and why it came
to be written. And the existence of the earlier Sumerian story is
obviously relevant there. The interest in ths story is not so much in is
historical accuracy as with the slant that was put on it - which is
essentially the principal feature of parables.
Hello,Similarly, was the story of Jonah a parable? And Noah?
On what Scriptural basis would one declare them parables?from all the other prophetic writings.
In the case of Noah, because it is plain that, as a historical event, it
did not happen exactly as described, so one must ask how and why it came
to be written. And the existence of the earlier Sumerian story is
obviously relevant there. The interest in ths story is not so much in is
historical accuracy as with the slant that was put on it - which is
essentially the principal feature of parables.
Yet the Son of God, Jesus, believed in the literal story about Noah
and the great flood. Mt 24:36-39,
"36. "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in
heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
37. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of
the Son of Man.
38. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and
drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered
the ark;
39. and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood
came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of
the Son of Man."" (NIV)
Also if you step back and look at the whole picture, if there really
was a worldwide flood, then one of the first evidences we would expect
is for this planet to have a lot of water left on it. Interestingly it
does.
Sincerely, James
If you wish to have a discussion with me, please use email since I do
not follow all conversations in ng threads
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There isn't any, so the answer to both questions would be No
No, the logical answer would be "we don't know".