I have to completely decline answering your question, as it is so out of my field of study or knowledge. It's a great question and one for which I'm not sure there is conclusive answer.
My understanding is that there are a lot of different styles in which the scriptures were written: allegory, history (mostly biased and inaccurate), poetry, etc. Each had its own intended audience and purpose. Most believers assume that scripture is the inspired word of God, as opposed to those who view it as the Absolute Accurate word of god.
Obviously, looking at the New Testament letters of Paul, much of what he is saying is specific, very little is metaphor. He was writing to specific communities answering questions (which we don't know). So that's much more literal than say, Revelation which is entirely metaphor/visionary.
I err on spirit of the law rather than the letter of it. I also just barely know what I'm talking about when it comes to biblical studies.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2007-12-13 08:08 pm (UTC)My understanding is that there are a lot of different styles in which the scriptures were written: allegory, history (mostly biased and inaccurate), poetry, etc. Each had its own intended audience and purpose. Most believers assume that scripture is the inspired word of God, as opposed to those who view it as the Absolute Accurate word of god.
Obviously, looking at the New Testament letters of Paul, much of what he is saying is specific, very little is metaphor. He was writing to specific communities answering questions (which we don't know). So that's much more literal than say, Revelation which is entirely metaphor/visionary.
I err on spirit of the law rather than the letter of it. I also just barely know what I'm talking about when it comes to biblical studies.