The Nuances of Bible Interpretation: Understanding Why Christian Fundamentalists Choose Literalism

Christian fundamentalists don't interpret the Bible completely literally. Rather, they selectively apply literal interpretations to different parts of the Bible based on personal beliefs and external pressures. For example, they often interpret Jesus' words, such as cutting out a right eye to avoid sin, not literally. Instead, they may choose to apply strict rules against divorce only in certain contexts, like when abuse is involved.

Reasons for Selective Literalism

Several factors influence why Christian fundamentalists choose to interpret specific parts of the Bible literally:

Arrogance and Insecurity

Christian fundamentalists are often insecure and lack critical thinking skills. The focus on literal interpretation is a defense mechanism that ensures consistency with their existing beliefs, avoiding the challenges of critically analyzing the Bible. A lack of formal Bible education in the Christian community can contribute to this mindset, as fundamentalist interpretations often take precedence, leaving no room for questioning or alternative interpretations. When faced with criticism, fundamentalists tend to resort to literalism to defend their beliefs rather than engage in reasoned discussions supported by evidence.

Fear of Change and Unknowns

Fundamentalists are terrified of change, particularly when it comes to scientific discoveries and cultural shifts. They fear that science might disprove the existence of YHWH, the God of the Bible, or reveal that the Bible was written for ancient cultures that don't apply directly to modern life. The fear of evidence challenging their worldview can lead them to rely heavily on literal interpretations as a way to avoid confronting these uncomfortable truths. They would rather not face the implications of scientific findings or the historical context of the Bible.

Understanding Biblical Interpretation

It's crucial to acknowledge that very intelligent and faithful Christians can have different interpretations of specific passages. The Bible itself does not provide clear instructions on how to interpret its meaning. Because the authors are no longer alive, readers must rely on different methods of interpretation to understand the text. This process involves carefully considering the historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts in which the scriptures were written.

The Bible is ultimately about understanding how to relate to God and is a journey of faith. Full understanding is not expected, but becoming more like Jesus through persistent reading and reflection is the key objective. This approach allows for a more elastic and dynamic interpretation of sacred texts, emphasizing spiritual growth and relationship-building rather than rigid adherence to a single, literal interpretation.

Challenging Literalism

While literalism can be seen as a defensive and arrogant stance, it's important to recognize that the perspectives of different Christians can be equally valid. Jesus, as God himself, may indeed have taken the Bible literally, but this alone does not validate a one-size-fits-all approach. The words of God should not be distorted to create a hierarchy of intelligence or understanding. Men often interpret divine wisdom through their own lens, leading to the creation of complex and sometimes contradictory religious systems. It's essential to distinguish between true wisdom and the superstitions that can arise from it.

Why take wisdom literally when it can also be interpreted in context and applied to modern life with wisdom and understanding