Taking the Bible Literally
In the episode of The Bible for Normal People titled “What It Means to Take the Bible Literally,” Jared Byas discusses the different ways that people read the Bible.
He argues that the phrase “take the Bible literally” is often used in a way that is misleading and unhelpful.
He suggests that we should instead focus on reading the Bible literarily, which means paying attention to the genre, context, and purpose of each passage.
Summary
Byas begins by discussing the different ways that people use the word “literally.”
He points out that the word can mean “in a literal sense” or “exactly as stated.” However, he argues that the word is often used in a way that is more figurative than literal.
For example, when someone says “I literally died laughing,” they are not actually saying that they died.
They are using the word “literally” in a hyperbolic way to express their amusement.
Byas then turns to the phrase “take the Bible literally.” He argues that this phrase is often used to suggest that the Bible is a book of historical facts.
However, he points out that the Bible is not a history book. It is a collection of stories, poems, songs, and letters.
These different genres of literature require different methods of interpretation.
For example, when we read a historical account, we expect the author to be telling us what actually happened.
However, when we read a story, we know that the author is not necessarily telling us what actually happened.
The author may be using the story to teach us a lesson or to explore a particular theme.
Byas argues that we should approach the Bible with the same kind of flexibility.
We should not assume that every passage is meant to be read literally. We should instead pay attention to the genre, context, and purpose of each passage.
When we do this, we will be better able to understand what the Bible is trying to say to us.
Here are some tips for reading the Bible literarily:
- Pay attention to the genre of each passage. Is it a story, a poem, a song, or a letter?
- Consider the context of each passage. When was it written? Who was it written to?
- Ask yourself what the author is trying to say. What is the main point of the passage?
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to look it up or ask someone else for help.
Reading the Bible literarily is not always easy.
It requires us to think critically and to be open to different interpretations. However, it is a rewarding way to read the Bible.
It allows us to engage with the text on a deeper level and to discover its true meaning.