Query 2: Literalists & Dinosaurs

posted August 31, 2006 - 10:51am

Query 2: Literalists & Dinosaurs

A workmate of mine calls herself a "literalist," explaining that she believes in the literal read of the Christian bible. That's fascinating to me. I can't see how the bible could be taken literally, and I mean THOROUGHLY literally. Not just that Christ is the son of God and died for our sins. I suppose every Christian has to take those two ideas literally. But the story of Adam and Eve? Of Bamshameel living to be 888 years old? Of...there being no dinosaurs?

Well, the bible doesn't "say" that there were no such things as dinosaurs. But it does give a duration of life on Earth that is different from the scientific world's account. My workmate informed me of this difference, and...the difference is freakin' HU-NORMOUS. But she firmly believes that that is the truth. And such a truth excludes the dinosaurs.

So, I'm wondering (since my workmate's explanation was as clear as pitch), can somebody break it down for me? Are "literalists" to be taken seriously? How can anybody believe that the Earth is some 10,000 years young? And how can one possibly dispute the existence of the dinosaurs?

Author: Antonia Dwells

Comments

But Before the Beginning ...

mythman - Sat, 2007-11-8 4:45 pm

... literally, there was wisdom. Also, Isaiah gave us a message from God that may help you understand 'the literal way.' What do You Think? Join Xomba to Tell Us! (Or Not ... jic you're one of the sheep)

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I once knew an ex-con...

Antonia Dwells - Fri, 2006-13-10 11:17 pm

...who made jungle juice out of peaches in the joint.

Antonia Dwells

Oh man, not the barley

Ken Light - Wed, 2006-27-9 9:40 pm

Oh man, not the barley fields!! They use that to make BEER!! AUGH!!!

Well, Ken that is what I am here for - to amuse you - lol

damebugg11 - Wed, 2006-27-9 8:09 pm

"effing"? hahaha Be a man and just say the damn word- lol Is that short for the "F" word? BAHAHAHA! Now I find that hysterical. Careful Ken Light, Hashem will burn your barley fields.lol Thoust should never mocketh the BIG GUY! lol

I think damebugg is pretty

Publius - Wed, 2006-27-9 6:02 pm

I think damebugg is pretty accurate here. I was raised as a Catholic. I went to Catholic schools for 8 years, and we studied that Bible every day. I'm not much of a religious person today...I haven't been a "practicing" Catholic since 8th grade. Over the years, it seems many people in the Christian community are beginning to lean more towards a symbolic interpretation of the Bible rather than a literal one. I know the Creationists stand firm on believing the Book of Genesis as literal fact, but you'll find that most people today see the Bible, as a whole, to be symbolic. Today's Christians understand the importance of science and its discoveries, but they can't simply let go of their faith. It's who they are, and it gives them hope and security. If it makes them feel better about themselves and helps others lead more fulfilling lives, then I have no problem at all with it. I would even encourage them to "spread the word." It's much better than spreading hate and violence.

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