I really like the idea of the gospels in the bibles being works of metaphorical fiction. Personally, I've always thought that the bible should not be literally followed, as many of the original meanings were probably lost in translation, edited out, etc. Then, there were probably words equivalent to slang that would have no equivalent meaning in today's society. Either way, a bible we may read today is probably very different from one that could have been found centuries ago. Do not get me wrong, I think the bible does teach many fantastic moral stories, I just believe it should also be approached without the intention to follow it's teachings without question.
I think the fact that they are fiction should be made more well-known among Christians, if only because they should have a better idea of what exactly their holy text is. I was raised in a Christian family, and always assumed the gospels were penned by the original disciples of Jesus. I suppose that's my own folly for assuming, but I have heard others say they have made the same mistake, and I guess I just find it strange that we're taught what the bible says on the surface, and not it's entire story.
Thoughts?
I agree that the bible should be thought of as fiction and the morals from it should be taken to heart but not the literal meaning; as to thinking that it was written by the actual apostles, I also did as a child, but i think that is the point in the Christian Church because it is easier to follow a God whos accounts were written by someone who was actually there, not someone who lived much after
ReplyDeleteI've read the Bible in a church setting, as well as straight up literature with zero religious perspective in a high school English class, and now with a combination of the two, and I definitely agree that, when speaking in religious terms, its readers should be more aware of how it was written, and not take instructions literally.
ReplyDeleteI believe the church is completely at fault for this. Personally I would want a background of both what the faith believes and what those opposed to the faith believe. However, as you've grown up you were only taught was true from the church perspective. Maybe you would have had a better understanding and wider view
ReplyDeleteCritical thinking in religious upbringing does exist (it's how I was raised as a Methodist in Iowa), but it seems unfortunately rare. I suppose people are afraid that if their children think for themselves they might not agree with their parents. The Texas Republican Party recently proposed banning critical thinking in schools precisely because it leads to questioning authority...
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