Religion

MineralMan

(148,188 posts)

2. It varies, but some literalism is certainly necessary for belief.

Tue Mar 26, 2019, 12:02 PM

Mar 2019

For example, the story of Jesus being born, living as a man, dying, and then being resurrected and ascending into heavern, is part of the creeds recited by most Christians. "Credo," the creed says - "I believe."

So, I think there is a necessary level of literalism that is essential for belief. On the other hand, most Christians probably do not believe that a literal "Great Fish" swallowed Jonah and then later vomited him up on the shore. How literal believers take various passages varies widely, but most will tell you what they believe to be literally true from the scriptures. Most, but not all.

We have one in this group who steadfastly refuses to say what he believes literally and what he believes to be only metaphor. After multiple requests, silence is the only response.

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Is biblical literalism a requirement to be a real Christian? [View all] Major Nikon Mar 2019 OP

Seems to depend on sect, translation and safeinOhio Mar 2019 #1

It's really just an indicator of how narrow the mind is Major Nikon Mar 2019 #3

It varies, but some literalism is certainly necessary for belief. MineralMan Mar 2019 #2

Most dictionary definitions of christian is just one who follows the teachings of Christ Major Nikon Mar 2019 #4

Well, I always accept someone's own status if they say they are a Christian. MineralMan Mar 2019 #6

That's the safest approach Major Nikon Mar 2019 #7

Out of curiosity, of course, I often ask for details of what one believes. MineralMan Mar 2019 #9

An overly broad question. guillaumeb Mar 2019 #12

No, it is not. It is just a question. MineralMan Mar 2019 #15

I have in fact answered some specific questions about specific verses or stories. guillaumeb Mar 2019 #17

Whatever, Monsieur B. Whatever. MineralMan Mar 2019 #19

It is an answer. guillaumeb Mar 2019 #23

Near as I can tell, he believes in an original quantum fluctuation marylandblue Mar 2019 #26

Only for the Non-Metaphorical parts of the text. (NT) NeoGreen Mar 2019 #5

No handmade34 Mar 2019 #8

Well, that's true. I have met working Christian ministers who admit they are atheists. MineralMan Mar 2019 #10

Many, if not most churches require some sort of seminary education for their ministers Major Nikon Mar 2019 #11

I'm sure I've told this story before in this group: MineralMan Mar 2019 #18

My dad was a Unitarian minister Major Nikon Mar 2019 #20

Well, I was just filling in for my friend. MineralMan Mar 2019 #22

I've heard this before Lordquinton Mar 2019 #24

Good question. It's a job, I guess. MineralMan Mar 2019 #25

Kinda takes the mystique out of the whole thing Lordquinton Mar 2019 #28

It probably depends on the individual. MineralMan Mar 2019 #32

The Clergy Project... NeoGreen Mar 2019 #31

That's a very interesting website - particularly the individual stories. MineralMan Mar 2019 #33

My pleasure... NeoGreen Mar 2019 #35

Yeah, kind of funny the person who insists no one can define someone else's religion or beliefs... trotsky Mar 2019 #13

He's not the only one Major Nikon Mar 2019 #21

"a theist" or "atheist"-what a difference a space makes n/t delisen Mar 2019 #14

"real Christian" edhopper Mar 2019 #16

In classical Christian hermeneutics Loki Liesmith Mar 2019 #27

If you are going there, 'literalism' Voltaire2 Mar 2019 #30

Not even people studying theology are biblical literalists. DetlefK Mar 2019 #29

I think it depends on what kind of theologian they are Major Nikon Mar 2019 #34