Someone asked me, “Do you believe in a literal interpretation of the bible?”
I felt challenged, like I should give the Right Answer.
My flummangled response was kind of a
“Yes. No. Ummm… (Hmmm)”.
So I’ve been thinking about that…
In fact, I was wondering how to interpret the letters in The Revelation, which might be a good example of why I’m having trouble trying to answer that question.
In chapters two and three of The Revelation,
Jesus dictates seven different letters to seven different churches.
Literally.
Real churches, from way back then;
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
A different letter to each church.
Yes, I believe in a literal interpretation of those.
They contain information that’s like a history lesson from Jesus.
I’m interested to learn what Jesus praises them for, and that the early churches had some of the same problems that we see today. I’m interested to hear the warnings and the praises and the promises. I literally believe those churches existed, I believe they actually received those letters, and that they needed to hear them, literally.
But that interpretation doesn’t really touch my heart.
Could He also have meant more than just the literal interpretation?
Scripture teaches us through the experiences of others.
Isn’t there something we need to hear?
Not just for the members of those churches way back then, but a message to us in the church today. Could there be a “More Than Literal” interpretation of these seven letters to those seven churches?
Maybe that we are to be watchful for the same traits appearing in the church today?
Maybe that our lives as members of the body will be affected by those traits?
Maybe that the future of the church would be a long parade of following and falling away?
Maybe that as some parts of the church wither, others flourish?
Maybe that ANY church now or a thousand years from now will tend towards one of those seven examples?
Maybe that the church as a whole will go through all seven types before the end ?
Those interpretations affect me personally, because I’m part of the body. I’m part of the church.
The literal text was educational, but not personal.
I believe that scripture is personal.
When I read the bible LITERALLY it feeds my mind with facts. I learn from it.
When I read the bible MORE THAN LITERALLY it puts the lessons in my own lap.
It changes my heart, It can inspire action.
It gives purpose. I can grow from it.
Personally.
So the next time someone asks me if I believe in a literal interpretation of the bible,
my answer might be something like,
“I don’t know if we should limit the power of scripture so much”
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.
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