When I first learned that scholars since the 18th Century have treated the Bible as mythology I became concerned. There is in fact an obvious difference between the Bible and the Greek and Roman stories about Zeus, Hercules, Mars, as well as the Norse gods like Thor and his father Odin. These stories might be entertaining, they might even be based upon real people in some way. We cannot be sure. Yet I doubt that anyone takes them as historically true.
Once I read in a book about Judaism where the author claimed that the stories in their own scriptures were to be taken as allegories, that is they teach moral lessons through story telling. We have of course that concept in modern fictional literature and movies as well.
So today we have people who study archaeology and have found historical evidence that greatly confirms many of the historical situations described in the bible. This is important and helpful. People will believe what they want to believe, of course.
But today I came across this thought: What if a person was to read the Bible simply as they would any other story? What if individuals could immerse themselves in this cosmic adventure as they would in any other novel or film? Think about it. The more we accept and believe the characters in a story about another town, city, country or world are real, the more we enjoy the story and the experience of reading it in a book, hearing it in a recording, or watching it on a screen!
This may go against the grain of general methods of evangelism or apologetics. But I wonder if Christians could ask for unbelievers to simply read the Bible as a story and not a religious book. Maybe they would let down their defenses and get drawn into the grand epic tale that unfolds in its pages!
Maybe they might even become changed by reading it!
I am amazed that the Saviour and his Apostles did very little to systematize (organize) the truths of Scripture. Or even order it to be printed. They seemed content that Moses was read each Sunday, Acts 15:21.
And to add another level of confusion – Jesus went as far as to teach that he was intentionally hiding truth from certain people: “This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ ”
Thankfully, this was not a universal principle in his ministry.
Dan, are you like me? Having heard preachers say that Jesus spoke in parables to ‘enlighten’ his hearers by using parables or earthly stories to teach heavenly principles?
Letters like Romans and Galatians etc are indeed theological in nature. Not just stories.
Guess we just need to find the proper balance. And become doers of the word – not hearers also. So yes, we should read the Sciptures as inspired literature in the same context in which it was originally penned.
What a fascinating subject you have brought before our eyes!
As one who was brought up by a mother who highlighted a good percentage of verses in her bible, and who has spent the last 50 years trying to understand it more clearly, I learn to appreciate it more and more at time goes on. I am with you brother! There is a balance. I should have included in my essay this passage from John 20:30-31
30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
NIV
It appears that John trusted that this story and the teachings in it would have a transformative effect on the reader. Why? Because it is inspired by the Holy Spirit!