Weltall

Two explanations: One, it didn't happen and the story is entirely made up. Two, Jesus failed to walk on water, drowned and the disciples were so embarrassed that they followed such an idiot that they made up the crucifixion and resurrection in order to salvage their reputations.

mountainman

In one word, Fiction.

ApostateAbe

I think it is most likely a myth.

Sheshbazzar

While perhaps a work of fiction as you claim, this Forum is called "Biblical Criticism & History" after all, a forum where the pertinent texts are studied and are evaluated in an attempt to understand both how the Abrahamic religious ideas developed, and were understood, and how they were applied down through the ages, and to develop a more accurate view of the Historical facts surrounding the original compositions and investigate to the extent possible any latter modifications and redaction's of the texts.
Asking for comments on what OT theological concepts and examples that the writers of the NT stories of "walking on the water" were drawn from is certainly germain to honest intellectual inquiry and discussion of the subject that is here under consideration.
A lot of smart-ass one line jokes do not contribute much that is of any value, other than a little comic relief, to any serious discussion of the thought processes, conceptions, and expectations of the NT writers.
Surely the Biblical scholars that post on this Forum are capable of impartially investigating the development of these trains of thought as presented within the texts.
If they actually are incapable of conducting such serious investigation and evaluation, then it appears there is a problem.

Steve Weiss

I have no objection to examining the development of religious or other texts in an historic context more out of curiosity than anything else. The influence of these fantastic stories cannot be ignored because this propagandistic fiction has had a disastrous effect upon the progress of Western thought and science. That is not to say that the study of these writings should give any credibility to them because they are patently fictional mythologies no more factual than the myth of Osiris from which a great deal of what became Christian doctrine developed. All I am advocating is that the content of these writings be correctly labled along the lines of truth in packaging or as a placebo would be. There is nothing of substance in these ficitional writings, but if people want to investigate the plot, theme and characters of these stories to see how primitive, irrational people thought in a nonscienctific milieu, then with that proviso such study would have merit.

Steve Weiss

Well, yes.

Sheshbazzar

On this point I beg to disagree with you Steve, no matter how much you may despise the acts of individuals or the religions which are dependent upon these texts, the texts themselves fiction or not, comprise some of the earliest, and greatest narrative works that mankind has ever produced, with intricately developed plot lines, and moral conflicts that make William Shakespeare look like a third year grammar student in comparison.
The lasting popularity of The Bible, is not only dependent on its promotion by religions, but its popular appeal lies no less in the fact that it is simply great literature, that speaks to the human condition, other than those miracles, and reported conversations with a Deity, the bulk of the text has to do with the relationships between common men and royalty, between males and females, between the young and the elderly.
And subject to the mores of a much earlier age, contains the sage advice and collective wisdom of many generations.
For example the majority of the Proverbs are still as perceptive of our all to human foibles, and are as applicable today as they were when they were first written.

And then again, even today, there are still those, living amongst us, who engage in conversations with the Invisible, and who go forth from such conversations (though such conversation likely only occurred within their own minds) convinced of a mission, an order, or a direction communicated from on high that must be obeyed at all costs.
Yes, it is easy to just dismiss these as deluded fanatics, that however does little to help these so engaged, or to protect society from those forms of religious coercion and manipulation (sin/guilt/redemption) that are the stock and trade tools of such persons.
A thorough knowledge of the Bible, of all of its "types" and "shadows", and running "themes" and an understanding of the "spiritual" dynamics that are involved in these individuals belief systems, is the socially responsible response to anticipate, forestall, and curb with carefully chosen words, their excessive zeal.
In as much as men are still entitled to a right to be nuts, and to act irrationally, irresponsibly, manipulatively and coercively, ("Now everyone bow your heads...") it becomes the burden of the sane, rational, and responsible individuals to look out for the welfare of all.

mountainman

Sorry. but I decline the apologetic request.

That is precisely the reason (IMO) that Julian wrote c.362 CE:

It is, I think, expedient to set forth to all mankind
the reasons by which I was convinced that
the fabrication of the Galilaeans
is a fiction of men composed by wickedness.

Though it has in it nothing divine,
by making full use of that part of the soul
which loves fable and is childish and foolish,
it has induced men to believe
that the monstrous tale is truth.

Solo

After seven days I dreamed a dream in the night; and behold a wind arose from the sea and stirred up all its waves. And I looked and behold, this wind made something like the figure of a man come up out of the heart pf the sea. And I looked and behold that man flew with the clouds of heaven; and wherever he turned his face to look, everything under his gaze trembled, and whenever his voice issued from his mouth, all who heard his voice melted as wax melts when it feels the fire.

2 Esdras 13:1-4

But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

Mark 6:49-50

Jiri

Steve Weiss

The bible as literature (fiction) fine. As to what good we can gain from reading it, a few examples by you would be instructive. The stories that I am familiar with are among the most immoral that I can think of, especially since they are allegedly endorsed by an infallible and bloodthirsty creator. And as to a right to act coercively, irrationally, irresponsibly and manipulatively, there are laws against such things the last time that I checked. Of course, if the bible serves as one's standard of morality I can understand how one could be confused and believe that anything goes, but not in a civilized country of semi-rational people. When I see a bible basher coming, I run for the hills as fast as these little legs will carry me in the hope that I will survive their version of the good.