Why naturally? Are most of them biblically illiterate?
Originally Posted by FLWrite
Yes. They're usually completely unaware of sections they weren't taught and entirely ignorant of the scholarship regarding the mythological and/or historical background of stories;origin of Mosaic and other laws in an historical and religious context; actual meanings of some of the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words which have been traditionally translated into certain English words; and accepted interpretations of many of the metaphors.
Originally Posted by AngelOK
+1
Most tend to interpret the Bible literally, as it has been translated into English. They tend to take the position the Bible was written word for word by God, or at least inspired by God, so therefore it is infallible. They use the Bible to do things like determining the age of the earth and support creationist theory...which brings it into direct conflict with science and Darwinism. Some of the things these preachers don't know, and would deny if they did are:
- It is widely held by both Jews and Christians that the Pentateuch was written by Moses. Scholars who have studied it, generally hold that there are about five different authors, none of whom is known. The most glaring reason why it can't be Moses: in the last chapter of the Pentateuch, Moses death and burial is recited. So how could Moses have written that?
- There are actually two creation stories: the first one says that God created man and woman at the same time; the second one says that God fashioned woman from the rib of man to give him company (and to be subservient).
- The book of Isaiah was written by at least two, if not three, authors. Whether one is Isaiah is up to some discussion.
- Some heroines of the Bible are prostitutes: Rahab, to name one.
- These conservative preachers tend to miss the message: the message of the Bible is one of love (agape, not eros [although eros is definitely ok]), compassion, mercy and forgiveness, not one exacting an eye for an eye, or one of hate.
- When King James had the Bible translated into English, it was not an infallible translation. Certain passages were translated as the King wanted.
- What is Biblical is up for grabs: the Catholic Bible has more books than has been adopted by Protestants. Jews study the Torah, Tanakh, and Talmud, which is very different from the Christian scriptures, but has the Pentateuch in common.
Ministers who have studied the holy scriptures in a well-rounded and scholarly seminary tend to understand all the nuances and preach a fairly rational message not filled with fear or hate.
There are seminaries that do not teach a well rounded approach to scripture. They tend to teach denominational doctrine without respecting all available scholarship in learning the Biblical arts. So their ministers tend to come out very judgmental and preaching "fire and brimstone" types of sermons. IMHO, the largest group that does this are Baptists.
Anyway, this is longer than I intended. Sorry.