How do Christians know when the bible is metaphorical or not?
Like whenever you point out how the bible says that the earth has four corners around it in revelations. And when Isaiah calls the earth a circle even though a circle is a 2 dimensional shape by definition unless it's a sphere. Why do they just say the bible doesn't really say the earth is flat and those are just metaphors? How do they know when it's a metaphor or not?
Best answer:
Answer by Xo
Some denominations of Christianity believe it is litteral, some believe it is metaphorical. It depends what denomination you believe in.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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It’s quite simple, really.
Whatever is no longer acceptable in today’s society is metaphorical.
Everything else is literal.
Through context usually – and with a healthy dose of common sense
;-)
It’s common sense when you have studied the bible. When you hear someone say he was an animal do you think they are literally calling him an animal with fur and everything or do you realize it is a metaphor? Same thing with Christians and the bible.
I guess education and common sense has something to do with it.
For instance: Four corners is an expression that refers to “the entire earth”, and is an expression found outside the bible. It does not mean that there are four corners around the earth– this is something I was taught back when I was in school…..wow, you are a brilliant one aren’t you?
Some say it is all literal, others say it has metaphorical aspects to it.
Both have issues and christians have excuses for these issues either way.
They come up with illogical and irrational explanations. Some say that we are misinterpreting the Bible even though it is in plain English what it says.
I have a brain and I use it.