There are two prominent ways to interpret the Bible which doesn’t pretend to say that they are inclusive.
There’s the Literal-Inerrant approach and the Metaphorical-Historical approach. The former is basically looking for the FACTS while the latter is looking for the MEANING of a story. The story, the REPORT doesn’t have to be TRUE to have a DEEP MEANING.
Some of the greatest life-giving stories are the PARABLES of Jesus which were not factual stories, but LIFE LESSONS.
The Literal-Inerrant approach REPORTS what they believe to have been the historical FACTS such as the garden allegory, the two flood stories, Daniel, Jonah, etc. Did they happen? Are they FACTUAL? It really doesn’t matter all that much to me since I am looking for the MEANINGS that will change my life.
The Historical-Metaphorical approach seeks to RECEIVE the MEANING.
The historical asks what did the words mean in their historical setting, not did the story in fact happen. And, metaphors are rich in meaning(s) and more than factual or literal.
>Are there parts of the Bible that are literal? YES!
>Are there errors and contradictions in the Bible? YES!
>Have we been given the Spirit of Truth to discern which is which? YES!
So, on with communion with the Spirit and LIFE!
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