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Kerrie
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Just wondering if you all believe if the bible should be interpreted as symbolic or literal...
It all depends on whether you want to go to heaven or hell. If you take the whole thing literally, then you don't glean any of the meaning (message) which lies beneath. Or else what's the point? Of course you could use it to pin "your ideals" on someone else but, that would be hypocritical.Originally posted by Kerrie
Just wondering if you all believe if the bible should be interpreted as symbolic or literal...
I would say both.Originally posted by Kerrie
Just wondering if you all believe if the bible should be interpreted as symbolic or literal...
Originally posted by Entropia
i mean, there are various contradictions and it is impossible to take the thing literally word for word.
i mean, there are various contradictions and it is impossible to take the thing literally word for word.
Heh.Originally posted by kyleb
i take it you never [met] a hardcore bible-beater Entropia?
Originally posted by kyleb
i take it you never meant a hardcore bible-beater Entropia?
Originally posted by Iacchus32
As for the number 666, what it represents is two thirds, and hence the second of three degrees: the first being 0 to 333, the second being 334 to 666, and the third being 667 to 1000. Which would be about right, for if you portrayed a symmetrical cross, where the top, bottom, left and right (sections) were equal in length, then by adding "an extension" equal in length at the base, you would have these same three degrees portrayed by the height of the cross: where the first two degrees (666 and below) exist below the horizontal plane, or "cross beam," and the third degree (667 and above) exists above it. So in this respect the number 217 (as opposed to 216) would be similar to 667.
While I've also come to understand there are three levels or degrees of spirituality that the "well disposed" spirit enters after death. The first corresponding to that which is natural (1), where one doesn't place a great deal of emphasis on religion or God, and yet has lived a fairly moral life. The second corresponding to that which is spiritual (2), where one places more emphasis on the religious aspect, and yet isn't altogether different "morally" than the first person. The third corresponding to that which is celestial (3), where one has developed both the religious understanding and, the morality to boot. For which reason this last state is the only "true state," whereby suggesting the nature of 666: everything that exists up to and below this state, but doesn't quite "make the grade" so to speak.
I have another analogy which also describes the three levels here. It begins with the development of radio, where everybody can "tune in" and listen so to speak, but are unable to see what's being described (except of course through their imagination). Enter the development of black and white TV, now everybody can see what's being talked about, except that it's not the "true representation," as it's still subject to interpretation. Hence comparing with the number 666. Enter the develpment of color TV, now the truth is plain as the nose on your face and doesn't require any "further interpretion," whereby one is content with what they know and can still go about their daily business. Something similar is signified by the following:
"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jeremiah 31:33-34) ... Huh? ... No more sermonizing?
Enter the Roman Catholic Church (1), a means by which to "subjugate the masses" (the natural mind) and standardize Christian Teaching. And yet being only the first degree (similar to the advent of radio), The Word is spoken unto the masses, yet in a foreign tongue (Latin), and no one is allowed to "see what it means."
Enter The Reformation (2) which, along with the advent of the printing press, begins presenting the The Word unto the masses, in their own tongue and yet, in "black and white" (and hence 666): whereby it's still subject to interpretation because no one understands the meaning behind the words. Ever wonder why there are so many denominations to the Protestant Church? And they all express it in terms of "Our way or the highway" (in terms of black and white).
Enter the one and only True Church (3), the church most are unaware of, as it doesn't postulate or sermonize, and pretty much goes about its own business. Which is funny because it was founded in the 18th century--hence corresponding to the Age of Enlightenment--and its founder, http://www.swedenborg.com/" , was in fact a scientist. Which actually makes a great deal of sense.
Need I say more? ...
A couple of books I recommend are Swedenborg's, Heaven and Hell, a real eye opener which delves into the nature of the spiritual world, as well as the Apocalypse Revealed, a verse for verse account to the book of Revelation. These are two of my primary sources by the way ... And here, Swedenborg's works are also theological in nature, and yet very practical in the way the concepts are presented. This might be the one for you FZ+!? ... Swedenborg's materials are available through the Swedenborg Foundation at http://www.swedenborg.com/
The purpose of interpreting the Bible symbolically is to understand the deeper meaning and symbolism behind the text. It allows for a more metaphorical and abstract interpretation, rather than a literal one.
There are various factors that can indicate when the Bible should be interpreted symbolically, such as the context of the passage, cultural and historical background, and literary genre. Additionally, some passages may contain symbolism that is explicitly stated or commonly understood.
No, interpreting the Bible symbolically is not the only way to understand it. The Bible can also be interpreted literally, contextually, and allegorically. Each method may be useful for different purposes or passages.
One potential drawback of interpreting the Bible symbolically is that it can be subjective and open to personal interpretation. This can lead to differing interpretations and potential conflicts among individuals or groups. It is important to approach symbolic interpretation with caution and consider the overall context and teachings of the Bible.
The symbolic interpretation of the Bible does not necessarily impact its authority or reliability. While it may offer a different perspective on the text, the overall message and teachings of the Bible remain consistent. It is important to approach symbolic interpretation with an understanding of the Bible's teachings and not solely rely on symbolic interpretations for understanding the text.