Should the Bible be taken literally?

[Samuel Cripps]

You are indeed confused. The words 'literal' and 'figurative' are antonyms.

I see no confusion, the bible states, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." (2 Peter 1:20)

To say the Bible is not literal is to open the door to private interpretation.

When the Bible says, "to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed", some might say that the arm is only a figure of speech, yet it is a literal arm. The arm of a chair, is it literal, or is it a metaphor?

Who decides what is literal, and what is not?

Definitions vary, for instance, "Literal" 1. Being in accordance with, conforming to, or upholding the exact or primary meaning of a word or words. We pick and choose for our definitions, but dare we do that with the Bible?

[Samuel Cripps]

Rejoice,

Read all about it!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literal...ative_language

[rejoice44]

Rejoice,

Read all about it!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literal...ative_language

Tell me Samuel Cripps, is this literal? Luke 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

[Samuel Cripps]

Hold up. Let's establish a definitional framework to work with.

I just demonstrated that, by the very definition of the terms, 'literal' and 'figurative' are antonyms. Will you acknowledge this? It is quite obvious that Satan is not literally a Dragon. So, any reference to Satan as a dragon must be understood as a figure of speech.

Tell me Samuel Cripps, is this literal? Luke 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

[rejoice44]

Hold up. Let's establish a definitional framework to work with.

I just demonstrated that, by the very definition of the terms, 'literal' and 'figurative' are antonyms. Will you acknowledge this? It is quite obvious that Satan is not literally a Dragon. So, any reference to Satan as a dragon must be understood as a figure of speech.

I just asked a simple question to which a simple yes or no would suffice.

[Samuel Cripps]

And I just pointed out your misuse of the word 'literal'. A simple recognition would suffice to move the discussion forward.

I just asked a simple question to which a simple yes or no would suffice.

[rejoice44]

And I just pointed out your misuse of the word 'literal'. A simple recognition would suffice to move the discussion forward.

I asked the first question, therefore I feel it should be answered first.

[Samuel Cripps]

Rejoice, you asked me if Luke 19:40 is literal, but your previous comments have demonstrated that you don't understand what the word 'literal' means. We need to be clear on the meaning of this word, if I am to answer your question.

[rejoice44]

Rejoice, you asked me if Luke 19:40 is literal, but your previous comments have demonstrated that you don't understand what the word 'literal' means. We need to be clear on the meaning of this word, if I am to answer your question.

I understand quite well. You may answer the question with your form of the definition for literal.

[Samuel Cripps]

So you understand and agree that Satan is not literally a dragon, and that figurative language is not to be taken literally?

[rejoice44]

So you understand and agree that Satan is not literally a dragon, and that figurative language is not to be taken literally?

I will respectfully answer your question immediately after you answer mine.

[Samuel Cripps]

I see no reason to take Jesus literally in Luke 19:40.

Your turn.

I will respectfully answer your question immediately after you answer mine.

[Samuel Cripps]

Does Satan have scales? Yes, they are literal spiritual scales.

So what is a spiritual scale?

[rejoice44]

I see no reason to take Jesus literally in Luke 19:40.

Your turn.

OK. I have no idea what Satan looks like. In Genesis he is referenced with the beasts of the field and made to crawl on his belly. Since he wasn't a man, I accept that he is a beast of the field. Beasts of the field were made on the same day as man. If God calls him a dragon who am I to argue with God? He may not be the same dragon you picture, but do you prefer your definitions over God's?

[Samuel Cripps]

I have spent much time in the woods, and I believe the clapping of the hands of the trees and the singing of the mountains is awesome.

You weren't eating random mushrooms you found on the ground during your hike through the woods, were you?