Posted by Joshua on September 08, 19102 at 19:35:21:
In Reply to: Re: symbolic/literal posted by Ant on September 02, 19102 at 14:16:31:
Ant, I'm hearing u say a number of things here, please correct me if I'm wrong.
1. First u seem to be saying the symbolic nature of the Bible is obvious. As example u give the Genesis and Jonah accounts. Well, people might debate those but as I said before, there is no good warrant for interpreting sin, punishment and corruption of nature as symbolic. Symbolism and metaphors are fine - the Bible uses them. The error is when we make something symbolic which was not *intended* as such.
2. Secondly, u seem to be saying sin/punishment religions are bad because they focus on the future (instead of present) and they create divisions. But doesn't telling other people their religions are incorrect create divisions also? As for focusing on the future - that is only bad if it is a false future. But I think there is good evidence that Jesus of Nazareth is an incredibly reliable Source of information about spiritual things such as the afterlife. And He clearly confirms the reality of sin and punishment. So I would be interested in hearing why you think He is mistaken.
3. Thirdly, you seem to be saying there is no good or evil. Does this mean there is nothing wrong with wiping "out forests, populations and entire species out of a perceived right"? Or what about the brutal murder of Mathew Shepard? Are you saying that was a morally neutral act - no more "wrong" then feeding a hungry child?
You said "we shouldn't allow people to do horrible things to each other". Why shouldn't we? Also "We must try to live as honestly and compassionately as we can." Why must we? These appear to be moral commands and a sign that in practice you still appeal to an objective morality higher than us. And I think this reality of immaterial moral laws is practically inescapable because we were designed in the image of an Immaterial Being Who is the foundation of these laws. So even if we deny them in theory, in practice they tend to keep coming to the surface.
Well, I'm off for a week's vacation. Take care.
-Josh