See my post at no. 16. It seems to me that people pick and choose which parts of the Bible to take literally depending on whatever backs up what they want to believe is true.
Which parts of the Bible are we to take literal and which parts are we not to take literal? Who is to tell us the difference? Is it some preacher?? If so, who taught that preacher the correct way to interpret the Bible? I’ve seen preachers in the same congregation teach things that contradict each other? If preachers who have studied the Bibles for years and been educated in seminaries and theological universities can’t agree on how to interpret the Bible, why should we trust them?
I have also been told to just read the Bible and God will interpret it for me or I’m told that the Bible will interpret itself. I have read the Bible, several times and when I come up with an interpretation that differs from mainstream Christianity, I am told that I received my inspiration from the devil. That’s great. I follow the instructions, but when the results come out differently from what is expected by somebody else who isn’t God, then I am told that I’m wrong and if I don’t change my evil ways, then I’m going to Hell. That sounds just like Carter telling me if I disagree with Obama, then I’m a racist.
God didn’t tell me I’m wrong, some person who think they are speaking for God in this instance, is telling me. Why should I trust that person? The Lord didn’t tell me to trust that person.