Subject: How can we tell figurative from literal? |
Bible Note: Sir Pent: I, too, sincerely hope "that we are truly much closer to brothers than it would at first appear." You are 100 percent correct when you say to me: "I am relatively certain that you would not recommend that we base our Biblical beliefs on just what the large majority says." The majority is probably not always wrong -- just most of the time. :-) When the majority speaks, I am automatically suspicious and skeptical. One could site scores or hundreds of historical examples of the majority being wrong. What I always say is: Truth is not established by a majority vote, contrary to the "beliefs" of the liberals in this country. That goes for truth regarding history, science, politics, religion, morality, etc. Your primary question, "How can we tell figurative from literal?", has prompted much good and stimulating discussion. I'm sure I don't have the complete answer to your question. But you have started what I think has turned out to be a useful and beneficial discussion -- one that has made a lot of us think. Thanks to you for all your good participation in the forum. Grace to you. |