So, in REL 312 today, we discussed the difference between the modern view of what history means and the view of what history would mean for the authors of the Bible. Now, I've always held the view that the Bible should not be interpreted literally, but to hear that the stories in the Bible are fictional settings of events often placed in the wrong order in order to serve a greater meaning kind of shocked me a little. I think it is hard for many of us to hear "the Bible" and "fiction" used in the same sentence, but I guess we should really ask ourselves why the validation of the Bible seems to rest solely on its ability to accurately record historical events. What does it really matter?
Dr. Borders asked us the question, "Is there one truth?" I think the authors of the Bible would say no to this question, as they were able to reveal many truths in single stories. Truth is based on perception and personal experience among other things, and therefore, no two people are going to see the same truth in something. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Is he saying, "I am THE TRUTH?" Or was that statement intended to mean something entirely different to those he was speaking to? Dr. Borders said that he might have meant that Jesus is the truth in a lifestyle...a way of living and being. If this is so, then the only truth we've got is a life in Jesus. Who needs written historical facts when we have God bringing purpose and meaning to our stories?
I agree with most of what you said here. I think I do have an answer for your last question though. People that believe in God/Jesus/Christianity will agree that with the Holy Spirit giving purpose and meaning to stories and situations they don't need "history" to prove it. But what about non-believers? Honestly, in this day and age, it is SUPER difficult to explain Christianity to someone let alone have it make sense to them. As you said "we have God." But to people that don't believe in him, we have an Faith in something that doesn't necessarily exsist. I know that Christianity isn't supposed to be easy, but historical facts would make it a lot easier.
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