Subject: Should the Bible be taken literally? |
Bible Note: Hi EdB! This one is easy! Assuming all of the facts as you have layed them out, I would say, "Only drive on the left side of the street." Since, Scripture clearly gave a command here. However, let's make it a little more difficult. Let's say that the word "left" could mean either "left" or "correct" side of the street. Research indicates that the word "left" was usually used to refer to the "legal or correct side" not the "left" side. Furthermore, only the people at Ephesus had cars. So, was the command addressed to all believers or only the drivers at Ephesus? Which way would you interpret it then? This is an example of what I have been trying to say. Always take Scripture as our authority, first! However, words can mean different things in different contexts. Commands may or may not be universal. Here is where interpetation and application takes place. It would be easier to deal with a real example from Scripture though! :-) p.s. - For your information, you are basically preaching to the choir. I am an inerrantist when it comes to the text of Scripture. So I am fully committed to obeying what the text says. The only question comes in difficult passages where one or more interpretations are possible. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |