[NGFP-BookClub] interpretation of the Bible

[FREDERICKA COHEN]

One of the most important points....if not the most
important...is the fact that the components of the
Bible were not written as they happened.

They were created to send a message . In some cases, a
particular story, might be an amalgam of similar
happenings.

Whatever their source(s), the writers wanted to make a
point. We must remember that and ask ourselves,"What
did they ( at that time and place)  want to say?"

In our time and place, what does it say to us? Is the
message still valid?

For instance, the reference to the "heavenly tablets"
and their pre-existence to creation is used to explain
stories/activities that seem to be
chronologically/literally impossible but are necessary
to further the writer's purpose.

It has been my observation that many of those who
question the "literalness" of biblical stories find
their lives are enriched by the many more meanings
they  find when they are free to interpret!

Fredericka Cohen


Only then can we ask