I’m certain you understand the difference between a circle and a sphere, and I have little doubt whoever wrote Revelation did too. But I think I understand, when the bible doesn’t make sense it’s poetry, and when it confirms your notions it should be taken literally.
How does one deal with a clear declaration that is unambiguous and false? For example, Psalm 104:5, “He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.”
“How does one deal with a clear declaration that is unambiguous and false? For example, Psalm 104:5, “He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.””
I think we have to deal with them honestly.
There are the following types of writing in the Bible, and indeed, of all literature:
1. Historical narrative;
2. Prophecy;
3. Poetry;
4. Allegory;
5. Analogy;
6. Parable; and
7. Direct instruction.
Genesis is historical narrative. There are other types in there, like the poetry of Miriam’s song, but these are clearly set apart.
The Psalms, which you quote above, are poetry. The contain true statements, of course, but they are poetic. Think of a common poem - say, “In Flander’s Field.” This poem starts out: “In Flander’s Field the poppies grow.” This is a true statement, or at least was when it was written. There is a field called Flander’s field, and no doubt poppies grew there. But further it states, “we are the dead.” This is a poetic allusion. Obviously a group of dead people is not writing the poem. However, it is presented as a poem, and this is understood.
If we are going to pretend we don’t know the difference between the types of writing, which occur throughout human culture, we are not going to be able to understand anything we read. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” Did he mean he was planted in the ground, growing leaves? Of course not. We all know it, too. To pretend we do not is disingenuous.
To pretend Genesis is an allegory when it is a straight historical narrative from beginning to end is to create a problem where there is none. We have names, times, places, massive people movements, battles, landmarks, geography, the rise and fall of kings and commoners, all in order, laying out a straight history of this world and its people from creation to the death of Moses.
Furthermore the creation in six days is referenced as literal fact throughout the rest of Scripture. It is never questioned. Jesus refers to Adam and Eve in his argument against divorce, for instance.
“But I think I understand, when the bible doesn’t make sense it’s poetry, and when it confirms your notions it should be taken literally.”
Good stinking night, is that irony for you or what???
I’ve watched you guys argue in and out of the whole, “this is alegory and that is not” thing so many times I can’t begin to count them!
Your reply was pure science fiction, mr. stormy.
But, in the spirit of the moment, like Unruly Human... I forgive you.