United Methodist Sermon: Why We Don't Take the Bible Literally

Introduction

The Bible is a complex and multifaceted text that has been subject to interpretation and debate for centuries. While many people take the Bible literally, believing that it is the inerrant word of God, others believe that it is a collection of human stories and experiences that can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

In this sermon, we will explore the reasons why we, as United Methodists, do not take the Bible literally. We will first examine the historical context in which the Bible was written, and then we will look at some of the specific passages that have led people to question the literal interpretation of Scripture.

The Historical Context of the Bible

The Bible was written over a period of centuries, by a variety of authors, in a variety of cultural and historical contexts. The earliest parts of the Bible were written in the ancient Near East, where people had a very different understanding of the world than we do today. They believed that the world was flat, that the sun revolved around the earth, and that God lived in the heavens.

As time went on, the people of Israel came into contact with other cultures, such as the Persians and the Greeks. These cultures had their own unique beliefs and practices, which influenced the way that the Bible was written. For example, the book of Daniel, which was written during the Persian period, contains stories about angels and demons that were influenced by Persian mythology.

The New Testament was written in the first century AD, after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The early Christians were a diverse group of people, who came from a variety of backgrounds. Some of them were Jewish, while others were Gentile. This diversity is reflected in the New Testament, which contains a variety of different perspectives on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Passages That Challenge the Literal Interpretation of Scripture

There are a number of passages in the Bible that have led people to question the literal interpretation of Scripture. For example, the book of Genesis contains stories about Adam and Eve, the flood, and the Tower of Babel. These stories are often interpreted as being literally true, but there is no scientific evidence to support them.

Other passages in the Bible contain laws and regulations that are no longer applicable to our modern world. For example, the book of Leviticus contains laws about what foods can and cannot be eaten, and about how to deal with menstruation and childbirth. These laws were written in a specific cultural and historical context, and they are not meant to be applied literally today.

The Importance of Context

When we read the Bible, it is important to take into account the historical context in which it was written. We need to understand the culture and beliefs of the people who wrote the Bible, and we need to recognize that the Bible is a product of its time.

We also need to be aware of the different ways that the Bible can be interpreted. There is no one right way to read the Bible, and different people will find different meanings in it. This is part of the beauty of the Bible—it is a text that can be read and interpreted in a variety of ways.

Conclusion

As United Methodists, we believe that the Bible is a holy book that contains the word of God. However, we do not believe that the Bible is literally true. We believe that the Bible is a collection of human stories and experiences that can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

We believe that the Bible is a valuable resource for our faith and our lives. It can help us to understand God, ourselves, and the world around us. However, we also believe that the Bible is a product of its time, and that it needs to be interpreted in light of our own experiences and understanding.

Questions for Reflection

1. What are your thoughts on the literal interpretation of Scripture?
2. How do you think the historical context of the Bible affects our understanding of it?
3. What are some of the passages in the Bible that you find most challenging to interpret?
4. How do you use the Bible in your own life?

How to Step-by-Step Approach

1. Read the Bible for yourself. The best way to understand the Bible is to read it for yourself. Start by reading the Gospels, which are the stories of Jesus' life and teachings.
2. Get a good study Bible. A study Bible can help you to understand the historical context of the Bible and provide you with insights into the meaning of the text.
3. Talk to your pastor or other trusted Christian leaders. They can help you to interpret the Bible and apply it to your own life.
4. Join a Bible study group. This is a great way to learn from others and to share your own insights about the Bible.

FAQs

1. Is the Bible the literal word of God?
   - No, we do not believe that the Bible is the literal word of God. We believe that the Bible is a collection of human stories and experiences that can be interpreted in a variety of ways.
2. Do all Christians believe that the Bible is literally true?
   - No, not all Christians believe that the Bible is literally true. There are many different Christian denominations, and each denomination has its own unique beliefs about the Bible.
3. How do I know which interpretation of the Bible is correct?
   - There is no one right way to interpret the Bible. Different people will find different meanings in it, and that is okay. The most important thing is to read the Bible for yourself and to come to your own understanding of it.
4. Can I still be a Christian if I don't believe that the Bible is literally true?
   - Yes, you can still be a Christian if you don't believe that the Bible is literally true. Christianity is not about believing in a particular set of doctrines. It is about following Jesus Christ and living a life of love and service.

Tables

Table 1: Different Interpretations of the Bible

Table 2: Passages in the Bible That Challenge the Literal Interpretation of Scripture

Table 3: How to Interpret the Bible

Table 4: FAQs About the Literal Interpretation of Scripture