Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Jayman · 06-19-2002, 10:59 AM

How should one go about interpretting biblical poetry? Shoud they interpret things word for word or should they look for the major themes of the poem?

I think it should be interpretted by focusing on the themes of a poem because poetry seems to lend itself well to painting a portrait of ideas rather than explicit statements.

What are your thoughts? Keep in mind that I am talking about all poetry in the Bible (including that found in historial narratives, Psalms, the prophets, etc.).

06-19-2002, 12:31 PM

My favourite poem in the bible is the Song of Solomon. This is quite clearly erotic, and I just love the conventional xian interpretation of it as being about the love of christ for the church!

Kosh · 06-19-2002, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jayman:
<strong>How should one go about interpretting biblical poetry? Shoud they interpret things word for word or should they look for the major themes of the poem?</strong>

It depends on your agenda, of course!

Marduk · 06-19-2002, 02:52 PM

"My favourite poem in the bible is the Song of Solomon. This is quite clearly erotic, and I just love the conventional xian interpretation of it as being about the love of christ for the church!"

Yea! The church sure has nice tits! Look at the ass on that church!!

hubba hubba!

I actually like much of the Bible as poetry and metaphor, it’s those who take it literally or as history that annoy me. Like Aesop’s fables, stories written to teach a lesson. Most modern Rabbis use this approach.

[ June 19, 2002: Message edited by: marduck ]</p>

06-19-2002, 10:59 AM	#1
Jayman Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 68	Interpretting Biblical Poetry How should one go about interpretting biblical poetry? Shoud they interpret things word for word or should they look for the major themes of the poem? I think it should be interpretted by focusing on the themes of a poem because poetry seems to lend itself well to painting a portrait of ideas rather than explicit statements. What are your thoughts? Keep in mind that I am talking about all poetry in the Bible (including that found in historial narratives, Psalms, the prophets, etc.).

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06-19-2002, 12:31 PM	#2
DMB Guest Posts: n/a	My favourite poem in the bible is the Song of Solomon. This is quite clearly erotic, and I just love the conventional xian interpretation of it as being about the love of christ for the church!

06-19-2002, 02:52 PM	#4
Marduk Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: the 10th planet Posts: 5,065	"My favourite poem in the bible is the Song of Solomon. This is quite clearly erotic, and I just love the conventional xian interpretation of it as being about the love of christ for the church!" Yea! The church sure has nice tits! Look at the ass on that church!! hubba hubba! I actually like much of the Bible as poetry and metaphor, it’s those who take it literally or as history that annoy me. Like Aesop’s fables, stories written to teach a lesson. Most modern Rabbis use this approach. [ June 19, 2002: Message edited by: marduck ]</p>

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