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Interpreting the Bible
Lesson Aim To consider the different Christian approaches
to interpreting the Bible – focusing on Genesis
1.3.12
As you know, Christians have different approaches to interpreting the Bible...
As you know, Christians have different approaches to interpreting the Bible...
...Genesis is perhaps the best example of this!
There are 3 main approaches to understanding the Bible: -
1. Literal
2. Symbolic
3. Combination of the above
What do you know about...
What Creationists believe?
Write it on your post-it and stick it here...
There are 3 main approaches to understanding the Bible: -
1. Literal
2. Symbolic
3. Combination of the above
Literal
Christians who interpret the Bible literally are sometimes known as fundamentalists or literalists
They insist on a literal understanding of the Bible for a number of reasons
Literal
The main reason is that the Bible is God's book revealed to humanity. This means that it is 100% trustworthy
This is called inerrancy (i.e. There are no errors in the Bible)
Literal
They are of the opinion that if you start questioning Genesis, then you begin dismantling the entire faith
Literal
Fundamentalist Christians are of the view that revelation is more reliable than reason or experience
Literal
Fundamentalist Christians are of the view that revelation is more reliable than reason or experience
In other words, revelation is superior to science
Literal
Fundamentalist Christians are of the view that revelation is more reliable than reason or experience
In other words, revelation is superior to science
So when there is a difference between the Bible and modern science, the Bible is always right.
Literal
Fundamentalist Christians try to find fault in modern scientific theories that clash with the Genesis story
Literal
Fundamentalist Christians try to find fault in modern scientific theories that clash with the Genesis story
They argue that the scientific evidence for the Big Bang and Evolution is unreliable
Literal
Fundamentalist Christians try to find fault in modern scientific theories that clash with the Genesis story
They argue that the scientific evidence for the Big Bang and Evolution is unreliable
Some Creation Scientists attempt to support Genesis with science
BBC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TME30pPBw58&feature=related
Literal
Christians who read Genesis literally are known as creationists
Literal
Christians who read Genesis literally are known as creationists
They support what is known as the young earth theory
Literal
Christians who read Genesis literally are known as creationists
They support what is known as the young earth theory
They have to reject modern scientific views on human origins as they are not compatible with their interpretation of the Bible
“It is a pity that the term 'creation science' was
ever invented. Creationism is not a
branch of science, and never can be. Creation
is a matter of faith”
Dr Alan Hayward is a Scientist and a Bible believing Christian. He argues that belief in God as creator is a matter of faith, not one of science.
There are 3 main approaches to understanding the Bible: -
1. Literal
2. Symbolic
3. Combination of the above
Symbolic
Liberal Christians take a different view. They insist that there is truth in Genesis but it needs to be interpreted in a more sophisticated way (like an allegory)
Symbolic
Liberal Christians argue that the Bible was written by the hands of men – therefore it is not inerrant (without error)
Symbolic
They would also argue that the Bible was written thousands of years ago. It was never intended to be a scientific account of the world,.
It is not a scientific text book!
Symbolic
Liberal Christians accept the view that Science and Religion have different aims.
Science: How?
Religion: Why?
There are 3 main approaches to understanding the Bible: -
1. Literal
2. Symbolic
3. Combination of the above
Combination
Of course, many Christians fall into the third camp. They believe that Genesis is divinely inspired and inerrant but should be interpreted as an allegory
Combination
Adam = Man
Eve = Woman
Combination
Perhaps the 6 days of creation represent different eras? They don't need to be 24 hour days.
Combination
Perhaps the 6 days of creation represent different eras? They don't need to be 24 hour days.
This is supported by the fact that the sun doesn't exists until the fourth day
Combination
This view accommodates both modern science and Biblical inerrancy
Christians who believe in the symbolic approach often speak of Intelligent Design
There are 3 main approaches to understanding the Bible: -
1. Literal
2. Symbolic
3. Combination of the above
Strengths of Literalism
Requires only faith – no need to grapple with complicated science
Strengths of Literalism
Requires only faith – no need to grapple with complicated science
The Bible retains its absolute authority as being utterly reliable. This means that they defend the faith effectively.
Strengths of Literalism
Requires only faith – no need to grapple with complicated science
The Bible retains its absolute authority as being utterly reliable. This means that they defend the faith effectively.
It seems like the most straight-forward reading of Genesis
Limitations of Literalism
It doesn't give respect to modern science – as it presumes everything is false unless it agrees with the Bible. They believe in things like: - Archbishop Ussher in 1660 who dated the origin of man to
4004BC (young earth theory) The world was created in six 24 hour days etc
It is too simplistic. Are Christians really required to sacrifice their intelligence to be followers of Jesus?
It doesn't allow room for allegory, deeper truths or mystery in the Bible
Is it credible? Is creationism really science?
Limitations of Literalism
It doesn't give respect to modern science – as it presumes everything is false unless it agrees with the Bible. They believe in things like: - Archbishop Ussher in 1660 who dated the origin of man to
4004BC (young earth theory) The world was created in six 24 hour days etc
It is too simplistic. Are Christians really required to sacrifice their intelligence to be followers of Jesus?
It doesn't allow room for allegory, deeper truths or mystery in the Bible
Is it credible? Is creationism really science?
Criticisms of Creationism As mainstream science becomes more ‘concrete’, it seems less
credible Creation Scientists ‘pick and chose’ the scientific evidence they
use (e.g. some geology but not evolution) ‘Special creation’ and supernatural intervention cannot be tested
scientifically – this is all about belief. Also leads to ‘god of the gaps’ problem.
Independent scientists (majority of community) do not accept Creation Science calculations and evidence. It goes against mainstream physics, chemistry, astronomy and geology.
There is generally accepted evidence that goes against the ‘Young Earth’ theory
Tree ring record back 8,200 years Radio Carbon Dating shows fossils that are millions of years
old
Strengths of the Symbolic
Allows you to understand things in the Bible in a modern context
Strengths of the Symbolic
Allows you to understand things in the Bible in a modern context
Allows you to use your God given intelligence to analyse and interpret a complex source
Strengths of the Symbolic
Allows you to understand things in the Bible in a modern context
Allows you to use your God given intelligence to analyse and interpret a complex source
This view allows for an accepting relationship between science and Christianity, and may as a result be taken more seriously
Limitations of the Symbolic
How do we know what is meant to be symbolic and what is literal? There is a danger that we pick and choose – which isn't really 'faith’
Limitations of the Symbolic
How do we know what is meant to be symbolic and what is literal? There is a danger that we pick and choose – which isn't really 'faith'
It may be the start of a slippery slope to losing belief in the entire Bible
Limitations of the Symbolic
How do we know what is meant to be symbolic and what is literal? There is a danger that we pick and choose – which isn't really 'faith'
It may be the start of a slippery slope to losing belief in the entire Bible
Over dependence on science may tempt you to give up your faith altogether.
Complete p62 of the purple book
