The Bible is a highly symbolic fragmented work of many different authors spanning over one-thousand years. The earliest stories in the Old Testament were spread by word of mouth and passed from generation to generation before they were ever written.  Every God inspired author would have his own point of view affected by his own beliefs.  People tend to see what they believe.

    Throughout the ages, there have been many cultural and language changes, so the Bible has had even more editors than it has had authors.

    In Genesis, the word "God" was derived from Elohim.   Elohim was a plural word and there are several interpretations as to its meaning.   Some Christians believe it means the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.   Another interpretation is the result of examining the possible root words that represent both male and female aspects of creation.  Judging by context cues, one might conclude God is a band of angels.  As Genesis 1 states, "Let us make man in our image.." The "Lord" God may have been the highest of angels in a hierarchy.  The "Lord" appeared to Abram as a man, alongside two other angels appearing as men.  The "Lord" commanded his companions to destroy Sodom and Gomorah.  The "Lord" flooded the earth and spared righteous Noah.  The "Lord" wanted a righteous nation and has obliterated several unrighteous civiizations.  In the Old Testament, the "Lord" is a jealous God who commanded "Thou shalt not have any other gods before me."   The "Lord" also has a temper.

The Bible doesn't clearly explain who or what God is.

Scientific evidence suggests that God did not create the heavens and the earth in seven days, nor even in seven distinct cycles of creation.

Cultural uses of language differ from one language to the next.  For example, "to know" someone in a Biblical sense could mean to have sexual intercourse. "A son" could be a son, a grandson, or a descendant.

The Bible has many parables and symbols that are open to interpretation.

The Bible can be interpreted in at least as many ways as there are different Bible based religions.

The Bible may not have clear-cut explainations of God or Afterlife.  It may be enshrouded with mystery.  Still it is written in such a way as to cause people to think, meditate, and sometimes reach a realization.  Also the Bible has useful information on how to conduct our lives.

We can derive truth through our intuition if we pray, meditate and search for it.  Jesus said (Math 7:7) "Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you."

The above sermon was written by The Rev. Sylvia Sage of the Revitalizing Ministry. If you want to comment on the sermon you may e-mail Sylvia The Revitalizing Ministry operates on donations.  If you feel that this sermon helped you understand anything better and would like to help support our ministry, you are welcome to donate.  Any donation is appreciated, no matter how small.  Mail to: The Revitalizing Ministry, POB 1757, Elma, WA 98541. Donations are tax deductible.

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