Because you care, BDN...

Originally posted by avalanchethecat
I disagree on both points. Your contention that logic suggests that the whole of the bible should be accepted should agreement be found regarding anything therein is absurd. There are clearly parts of the bible which are rational and reasonable, and other parts which are fanciful in the extreme. It is far more logical to consider the entire packag ...[text shortened]... se which pepper the old testament. This is not a 'bold' position to take, nor a careless one.

But,, there is always the possibility that what you consider nonsense may be a lack of understanding.

Originally posted by checkbaiter
But,, there is always the possibility that what you consider nonsense may be a lack of understanding.

Of course that's a possibility, but on balance I'd say it's an unlikely one. Tell me, which sort of christian are you, the sort that takes the OT as literal history, or the sort that sees it as allegorical?

Originally posted by avalanchethecat
Of course that's a possibility, but on balance I'd say it's an unlikely one. Tell me, which sort of christian are you, the sort that takes the OT as literal history, or the sort that sees it as allegorical?

Both...the parts that some say are allegorical are simply figures of speech, of where this is a study all it's own.

Originally posted by checkbaiter
Both...the parts that some say are allegorical are simply figures of speech, of where this is a study all it's own.

I see. And how do you decide which parts should be taken literally and which parts as 'figures of speech' or allegory?

Originally posted by avalanchethecat
I see. And how do you decide which parts should be taken literally and which parts as 'figures of speech' or allegory?

http://www.tentmaker.org/bullinger.htm

Originally posted by checkbaiter
http://www.tentmaker.org/bullinger.htm

If you don't wish to pursue the subject you only have to say.

Originally posted by avalanchethecat
If you don't wish to pursue the subject you only have to say.

I spend more time on here than I should, It is a great study but I don't have the time to expound on all the words and meanings of the figures. That is why I sent the site...you can also google E.W.Bullinger to learn more..

Originally posted by checkbaiter
I spend more time on here than I should, It is a great study but I don't have the time to expound on all the words and meanings of the figures. That is why I sent the site...you can also google E.W.Bullinger to learn more..

Why would I? I fail to see how his views are relevant to the question I asked you.

Originally posted by avalanchethecat
Why would I? I fail to see how his views are relevant to the question I asked you.

Indeed, why would you?...The truth of the Word of God is not for everyone. It is only for those who sincerely desire truth and are willing to work to discover it.

Originally posted by checkbaiter
Indeed, why would you?...The truth of the Word of God is not for everyone. It is only for those who sincerely desire truth and are willing to work to discover it.

Oh I see, it's because I haven't worked hard enough at it! Wow, thanks for showing me the way...

BTW, how do you actually decide which bits of the OT to take literally and which bits to take as allegory? Go on, answer the question rather than posting an irrelevant web address this time.

Originally posted by avalanchethecat
Oh I see, it's because I haven't worked hard enough at it! Wow, thanks for showing me the way...

BTW, how do you actually decide which bits of the OT to take literally and which bits to take as allegory? Go on, answer the question rather than posting an irrelevant web address this time.

Easy, it depends on the context of the subject. Also involved are orientalisms, culture at the time it was spoken and so on.
I was not trying to be mean nor arrogant, please do not take it that way. But you have to understand that man is strange. We work hard to educate ourselves for a good future, etc., we take time to cultivate our gardens, maintain our vehicles, etc. But when it comes to the things of God and our eternal destiny, we seem to put it off or explain it away. We don't seek Him with diligence as He requires. To get saved is easy, too easy, if I had anything to say about it, but God is Gracious and kind.

Originally posted by checkbaiter
Easy, it depends on the context of the subject. Also involved are orientalisms, culture at the time it was spoken and so on.
I was not trying to be mean nor arrogant, please do not take it that way. But you have to understand that man is strange. We work hard to educate ourselves for a good future, etc., we take time to cultivate our gardens, maintain ...[text shortened]... o get saved is easy, too easy, if I had anything to say about it, but God is Gracious and kind.

My friend I have been seeking the truth for many, many years, I have studied many texts including the bible, I have approached many faiths, christianity of course, sought enlightenment and truth and found just peace and contentment. Your god, contrary to your belief, is not available to all who choose to believe in him, of this I can assure you. I have come to doubt any faith which insists its followers only are correct, and to doubt the existence of any 'truth' available via such belief. You, of course, must follow your faith in order to be saved by it, so cannot rationally discuss whether it is actually true - you have to believe it is, and I respect your choice. I would never have joined this debate but for your unreasoned and clearly nonsensical contention that 'logic' dictates that if one should agree with anything in the bible then one should immediately accept the whole thing.

Originally posted by avalanchethecat
Oh I see, it's because I haven't worked hard enough at it! Wow, thanks for showing me the way...

BTW, how do you actually decide which bits of the OT to take literally and which bits to take as allegory? Go on, answer the question rather than posting an irrelevant web address this time.

=====================================
BTW, how do you actually decide which bits of the OT to take literally and which bits to take as allegory? Go on, answer the question rather than posting an irrelevant web address this time.
=======================================

You be patient. You nourish your spiritual hunger daily in the Bible with prayerful reading. As the Holy Spirit impresses some section upon you, you pray over it and absorb the Spirit of God. You let what you have read effect your daily living.

Then bit by bit over the course of many years, more and more understanding comes.

Reading the Bible should add more of the element of God into your life. God can be added to your life even if you do not get the proper understanding of all passages.

You also learn from others. Trying to be 100% knowledgeable about every sentence in the Bible can just be an ego trip. What is more important is your obedience to what the Holy Spirit does make clear to you, and how that effects your life.

One can enter into a sweet fellowship with God without immediately accepting everything in the Bible. God does not wait for a person to understand all 66 books and every passage before developing a Father / son communion in spiritual life.

You develop the skill how to dicern how a passage should be taken, whether historical or allegorical or some amount of both.

If what you read increases your hunger for Christ it is safe even if you are wrong. If your understanding dampens your appetite for Jesus Christ, even if you take it rightly, it is wrong.

The Bible is for encreasing the element of Christ in the reader's being.

Originally posted by jaywill
[b]=====================================
BTW, how do you actually decide which bits of the OT to take literally and which bits to take as allegory? Go on, answer the question rather than posting an irrelevant web address this time.
=======================================

You be patient. You nourish your spiritual hunger daily in the Bible ...[text shortened]... tly, it is wrong.

The Bible is for encreasing the element of Christ in the reader's being.[/b]

Thank you for your input Jaywill, and I am pleased that you find your faith rewarding.

Originally posted by jaywill
[b]=====================================
BTW, how do you actually decide which bits of the OT to take literally and which bits to take as allegory? Go on, answer the question rather than posting an irrelevant web address this time.
=======================================

You be patient. You nourish your spiritual hunger daily in the Bible ...[text shortened]... tly, it is wrong.

The Bible is for encreasing the element of Christ in the reader's being.[/b]

Well put, my sentiments exactly..🙂