A question about biblical literalism.

[Requia]

A common criticism I have heard about biblical literalism from the atheist crowd is that literalists claim the bible is true because the bible says so, I have two questions in that vein.

Does the bible actually say this, or something similar, anywhere.

Does anybody really use this argument, or is it a strawman?

 

[Just_me_Mike]

I have used that argument, but also along with many other arguments. It is not the only reason I would suggest a literal bible.

The bible does indicate the bible should be its own interpreter, saying the we should compare scripture with scripture. Indicating, that we are to search the bible comparing the scriptures, so that we can harmonize and find more truth.

Just my opinion though.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

A common criticism I have heard about biblical literalism from the atheist crowd is that literalists claim the bible is true because the bible says so, I have two questions in that vein.

Does the bible actually say this, or something similar, anywhere.

Does anybody really use this argument, or is it a strawman?

Here it is [now I don't believe that these verses establish literalism, but most literalists do use these texts:

English Standard Version (©2001) 2 Tim. 3.16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,


And this one, too:

English Standard Version (©2001) Isaiah 55.10-11
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

 

[Just_me_Mike]

Also this verse is quite rich in meaning for me when it comes to studying scriptures

1 Corinthians 2:13
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

One should ask, research and conclude what is meant by comparing "spiritual things with spiritual things"

 

[Just_me_Mike]

For the record the entire chapter 2 of 1st Corinthians says so much about the subject at hand.

 

[Biblestudent_007]

I consider myself a biblical literalist. . .

 

[ZooGirl02]

I have used that argument, but also along with many other arguments. It is not the only reason I would suggest a literal bible.

The bible does indicate the bible should be its own interpreter, saying the we should compare scripture with scripture. Indicating, that we are to search the bible comparing the scriptures, so that we can harmonize and find more truth.

Just my opinion though.

Where does the Bible indicate that it should be its own interpreter?

 

[ChristineES]

My take on it is that Jesus taught his apostles and disciples in parables. It got me to thinking that if Jesus told parables that the Bible (at least some of the books and/or stories)were also parables, as well.

 

[dan p]

A common criticism I have heard about biblical literalism from the atheist crowd is that literalists claim the bible is true because the bible says so, I have two questions in that vein.

Does the bible actually say this, or something similar, anywhere.

Does anybody really use this argument, or is it a strawman?

Hi Requia , and I use this argument all the time !

And here is what 2 tim 3:16 says ;" All scripture is given by inspiration " .

The Greek word that is used " inspiration of God " is THEOPNEUSTOS , which means " God Breathed " , inspired of God

Also found in the bible is " it is written " and this phrase is in the Greek Perfect Tense , which means Past Action with Continuing Results , which teaches that the bible is as much inspired NOW as it was when it was originally written , dan p

 

[PVE1]

I think those who believe in Biblical literalism are clinging to something that is not there. It has been proven that the Bible has been altered, translated poorly, etc. over the years. I don't understand why people must feel the Bible is the literal word of God in order to prove it's power. Man cannot write something that powerful and be influenced by God in the process? I find this hard to believe.

 

[Just_me_Mike]

I think those who believe in Biblical literalism are clinging to something that is not there. It has been proven that the Bible has been altered, translated poorly, etc. over the years. I don't understand why people must feel the Bible is the literal word of God in order to prove it's power. Man cannot write something that powerful and be influenced by God in the process? I find this hard to believe.

This thread is not in a debate section.

 

[james2ko]

A common criticism I have heard about biblical literalism from the atheist crowd is that literalists claim the bible is true because the bible says so, I have two questions in that vein.Does the bible actually say this, or something similar, anywhere. Does anybody really use this argument, or is it a strawman?

2Sa 7:28 "And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant.

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

 

[Midnight Pete]

Where does the Bible indicate that it should be its own interpreter?

Yes, shouldn't the reader be the interpreter?

 

[Pegg]

Where does the Bible indicate that it should be its own interpreter?

It doesnt specifically say that, but there is away to prove that it can interpret itself. I'll show you a simple example.

What might you think if you read this verse on its own:
Hebrews 12:13 “keep making straight paths for your feet...”
This could be interpreted to mean that we make our own paths straight. That the power is in our own hands to do so. Predestinarians actually use this verse to claim that we are 'predestined'

However, now read this verse at Prov3:6
“In all your ways take notice of him and he will make your paths straight”
This verse seems to say that God makes our paths straight. So which is it? Do we make our own paths straight or does God make out paths straight?

Well if we take into consideration that Jeremiah 10:23 says “It is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps.”
this seems to tell us that we cannot direct our own step...its 'not in us' so obviously the first verse is not telling us that we can do that on our own... we need help.

So what help do we need to make straight paths for our feet then?
Psalm 119:9 "How will a young man cleanse his path?
By keeping on guard according to your word"

The bible has interpreted itself and told us that we make straight paths by following Gods word. So we can take the words at Hebrews to mean that we must individually 'apply Gods word' in order to make our path straight. It has nothing to do with predestination and the power is not in our hands alone. The path we choose, if based on God word will make our paths straight.