There are seminaries who are teaching pastors that famous Bible stories such as Adam & Eve, Noah, and Jonah are all fables.
This error arises when seminary professors apply the use of modern terminology to explain Holy scriptures. This is especially true when seminaries try to teach or explain the various literary genres found in the Bible. For the most part, I will concede that there are literary genres found in the Bible. However, when it comes to the genre of “fables”, this is where I draw the line. Why? How can we apply the Genre “fable” to a text that existed before the word fable was invented. In my opinion, it is wrong to use the modern term “fable” to categorize a biblical writing. This is especially true when the modern meaning of the word “fable” can be applied generically to any writing or text found in the Bible. Moreover, it is simply incorrect to say that the authors of the Bible used fables, when our modern understanding of the words fables did not exist until 1301 AD.
In my understanding, applying literary genres to Scripture or any text is subjective. It is subjective because it is based on the understanding of the individual and not on the interpretation or intent of the author. For example, if I read Genesis 1. Who am I to label it a fable if the author did not classify or intend it to be interpreted as a fable? In the Bible, when an author is classifying a story as a particular genre or style, the author always tells you what the intention is. That is why we know that Jesus spoke parables. The author told us so. That is why we know that King David made songs, because the author told us so. Therefore, unless the author has specifically told us his intention, we should not apply it to a genre, especially if it is the genre of fables.
Finally, if seminaries insist on applying literary genres to Biblical text, then they should only use the categories available during the time such text were written that is in agreement with the written intent of the author. For example, many liberal theologians classify Ezekiel 17:2-10 as a fable. However the author clearly tells you his intent and defines his genre as a “riddle” and a “parable”. Who are we to change or apply a different genre if the author has already told us what his intentions are?
Does Your Pastor Believe Bible Stories Are Fables?
There are seminaries who are teaching pastors that famous Bible stories such as Adam & Eve, Noah, and Jonah are all fables.
This error arises when seminary professors apply the use of modern terminology to explain Holy scriptures. This is especially true when seminaries try to teach or explain the various literary genres found in the Bible. For the most part, I will concede that there are literary genres found in the Bible. However, when it comes to the genre of “fables”, this is where I draw the line. Why? How can we apply the Genre “fable” to a text that existed before the word fable was invented. In my opinion, it is wrong to use the modern term “fable” to categorize a biblical writing. This is especially true when the modern meaning of the word “fable” can be applied generically to any writing or text found in the Bible. Moreover, it is simply incorrect to say that the authors of the Bible used fables, when our modern understanding of the words fables did not exist until 1301 AD.
In my understanding, applying literary genres to Scripture or any text is subjective. It is subjective because it is based on the understanding of the individual and not on the interpretation or intent of the author. For example, if I read Genesis 1. Who am I to label it a fable if the author did not classify or intend it to be interpreted as a fable? In the Bible, when an author is classifying a story as a particular genre or style, the author always tells you what the intention is. That is why we know that Jesus spoke parables. The author told us so. That is why we know that King David made songs, because the author told us so. Therefore, unless the author has specifically told us his intention, we should not apply it to a genre, especially if it is the genre of fables.
Finally, if seminaries insist on applying literary genres to Biblical text, then they should only use the categories available during the time such text were written that is in agreement with the written intent of the author. For example, many liberal theologians classify Ezekiel 17:2-10 as a fable. However the author clearly tells you his intent and defines his genre as a “riddle” and a “parable”. Who are we to change or apply a different genre if the author has already told us what his intentions are?
I believe that some of the information being taught in many seminaries today is the same deception that Satan used against Eve. If he can get you to doubt the validity and truth of God’s Word, then he can destroy the very foundation of your faith in Christ.
Today, take time to ask your pastor is he believes your favorite Bible stories are fables. If he does, then you might want to consider leaving that church.
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