christserf
Member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2005
- Messages
- 111
Hello Board:
In doctrinal discussion lines of reasoning usually hinge on whether a passage is taken literally or figuratively. There should be logical, reasonable rules for determining whether or not a passage is literal or figurative. If we don't agree on how to take a passage then much of our discussion will be wasted time. Here is my proposal:
1) The main subject of a passage is more likely to be literal than figurative.
2) Something which is not the main subject of a passage should not be taken literally if doing so contradicts a literal rendition of the main subject of the same or another passage.
3) A heavenly vision is likely to be figurative, and should not be taken literal if doing so contradicts a literal rendition of the main subject of the same or another passage.
4) A command is more likely to be literal than figurative.
5) Among the possible explanations of a doctrine, we should prefer the one which takes the least passages figuratively.
Please let me know if you agree and if you don't please tell me why and offer an alternative. I am usually only able to access the Internet once or twice a week, sometimes less, so please be patient.
In Yahweh's Love,
Christ's Serf
In doctrinal discussion lines of reasoning usually hinge on whether a passage is taken literally or figuratively. There should be logical, reasonable rules for determining whether or not a passage is literal or figurative. If we don't agree on how to take a passage then much of our discussion will be wasted time. Here is my proposal:
1) The main subject of a passage is more likely to be literal than figurative.
2) Something which is not the main subject of a passage should not be taken literally if doing so contradicts a literal rendition of the main subject of the same or another passage.
3) A heavenly vision is likely to be figurative, and should not be taken literal if doing so contradicts a literal rendition of the main subject of the same or another passage.
4) A command is more likely to be literal than figurative.
5) Among the possible explanations of a doctrine, we should prefer the one which takes the least passages figuratively.
Please let me know if you agree and if you don't please tell me why and offer an alternative. I am usually only able to access the Internet once or twice a week, sometimes less, so please be patient.
In Yahweh's Love,
Christ's Serf
