Biblical Literalism

WHY BIBLICAL LITERALISM MUST BE REJECTED (outline)
I.While certain portions of the Bible can be understood and done literally, I believe most of it must be
   rejected. We can offer some alternative ways of understanding the Bible. Some of the words, syings, or
  commandments we can read and follow literally are: "Thou shall not kill," "Love your enemies," "Love God
  and neighbor, " "Thou shall not steal," "Thou shall not covet your neighbor's wife," etc.

II.Some reasons why biblical literalism must be rejected:*
    1. The scientific world demands it. The language and worldview of the people in the Bible are male-domi-
        nated.
    2.The Genesis creation fall story is wrong.
    3.The miracle stories in the Bible are all made up.
    4.The God in the Bible is a vicious and violent one.

III. How to affirm the Bible: an alternative to biblical literalism
    1. Read the Bible contextually. (fundamentalist christians still understand and/or interpret the Bible literally)
    2. Use other names for God, that are non-sexist, like "Wisdom," "Rock," "Light," "Spirit," "Creator,"
        "Friend," etc. All these names for God  and many more are found in the Bible, but people don't use
        them more often than male language, then and now.
    3.God loves all - men, women, even the LGBT, and the whole creation. In Genesis God calls them "very
       good."
    4.Use miracle stories in the Bible metaphorically. After all, I believe, that's the intent of all those miracle
       stories.
    5.Use non-theistic language (as opposed to theistic**) in our understanding of God, in our theological
       (re)formulations, and also in our church liturgies (prayers and hymns).
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*See file, "A New Way of Affirming And Appreciating the Bible"
**God "up there" beyond the clouds, who comes down or sends God's angel, or Christ, when
    people pray or call for help to bless, save and rescue us.

Prepared by JNR/Aug 2012