[heavymetal]

The good news for me is that I've been studying the Bible more. I've been reading sources outside of the Bible which interpret different verses or themes, and I find it to be both interesting and a bit confusing. As a Christian, I seek meaning from the Bible, although I still struggle some in understanding parts of it and reconciling it with the world as I know it and others' opinions.

I'm not posing a question to be debated, rather I'm interested in knowing how others here view the Bible. In other words, do you take it wholly symbolically, entirely literally, or something in between. Or do you see it as I currently do: as the somewhat confusing True Word of God?

 

[Caedmon]

All of the above.

 

[Bon1]

Yep, I take door number three as well, all of the above.........I try to keep the Old from the New....(Very hard for me, I seem to incorportate this) I try very hard to take the Bible as it is.......Yet, I have found, that.....Sometimes a verse will stay with me.......I have no idea why.......Then I'll experience something ("Be still and know that I am God, is a good one!) that will give me an idea of what was "meant" an understanding.

 

[TruSeeker777]

There's alot about the bible I don't fully understand and I doubt I ever will. I stopped trying to figure it all out when I realized God is God, and I'm not. I see it all as a beautiful mystery

 

[Anxiety75]

From what I have learned there are alot of things that are symbolic/figuretive and alot of things that are literal. Sometimes people can get confused as to what is literal and what is symbolic. I still can't remember exactly the meaning of everything. There are lots of illustrations in the New Testament that cannot necessarily be taken literally. I think right now most of it is pretty understandable and maybe someday God will reveal those questions we still have.

 

[Pillar]

I would say I interpret the Bible in a literal way, and to me that means as it was written. I treat historical accounts as history, poetry as poetry, parables as parables, etc. I also think that Scripture needs to be interpreted by Scripture. Certain passages don't make any sense unless they are understood not only within their current context, but also the context of the entire Bible. Whatever isn't clear needs to be interpreted by what is clear.