Note: This article continues our Wednesday series about the Bible. You can check out previous entries here. This article is a re-write of an original post from August 5, 2010.
Are you supposed to take everything in the Bible seriously?
I have a friend who claims that every word in the Bible is meant to be interpreted literally.
I’ve never asked him where he performs his animal sacrifices—I’m actually kind of afraid he might show me! But I have gently asked him to show me his parapets.
Now I see you nodding. As a good, Bible-believing Christian, surely you have parapets, right?
And I hear the electrons firing around in your brain as the question silently forms: What the heck is a parapet?
Parapets are a clear aspect of the biblical building code:
When you build a new house, make a parapet around your roof so that you may not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from the roof. Deuteronomy 22:8
And still you’re asking: What the heck is a parapet?
A parapet is a wall-like barrier at the edge of a roof. Does your house have one? Mine doesn’t, despite this clear, unequivocal biblical command. And if you’re familiar with the story of my injury (fell off a roof while installing Christmas lights) you’ll see why I think parapets are a darned good idea.
But most modern houses, even those belonging to sincere believers, don’t have parapets. Are we all violating God’s law? Was my injury His judgment for failing to following this clearly-stated rule?
Maybe there’s a great small business opportunity here. Perhaps parapet construction for Christians is the solution to our stagnant economy.
You know I’m kidding, right? I’m sure you realize that this command was intended for a specific cultural context. But how frequently are scriptures removed from context and applied to equally unintended situations?
Take a moment and read the rest of Deuteronomy 22. Anyone in favor of a literal, out-of-context application of verse 5? How about 28-29?
Deuteronomy 22:8 offers one obvious example of the need for careful interpretation of Scripture. Translation, exegesis, and hermeneutics are not just big words in the seminary course catalogue. They’re the basis for the study and discernment required to properly understand and apply scripture.
So how did you answer the opening question? Personally, I’d say YES. If the Spirit took time to inspire it, I’m going to take it very seriously.
Seriously enough to think about it, understand it, and do my best to apply it properly.
Now I think I’ll go and see if I can sell my neighbor a parapet.
Do you ever get confused about the differences between contextual commands and eternal truths? How do you resolve your confusion?
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