Reading the bible requires one to have an open mind and understand the scriptures before giving an interpretation of the word. Literal reading of the bible, as expressed by the author, cannot help the reader understand the real meaning of the contents. The author’s argument is that the bible is more complicated than people may think and requires one to look into the deeper meaning of the statements before giving an interpretation. For example, the characters used in the parables represent figures such as God, prophets, angels, Satan, and other spiritual beings and not real human beings. Different decisions are necessary before making a bible interpretation such as allegory in which the reader must look beneath the surface of the text to get the real meaning. Reading the accounts of creation in genesis chapter 1 and 2 requires one to understand the deeper meaning of the text and avoid literal reading.

The message by the author of this reading is that the bible requires an in-depth reading to understand the actual meaning of its contents. Literal reading will not give a perfect interpretation of what the bible contains, as the language is figurative. All biblical material such an epistle, prophecies, apocalypse, and fable require the reader to make an accurate meaning of the word before making any interpretation. According to the author, historical facts need to have meaning, significance, and some biblical claims such as the death of Jesus on the cross for human redemption. Jesus death on the cross is a historical fact, but the argument that his death was meant to save the world from third sins does not have historical evidence. Evaluation of the truth concerning the bible material except using the truth by definition, for instance, the statement “Jesus is Go”. The state can be taken as truth by definition and cannot be verified. Some of the biblical myths are mainly the Israelites ideas of covenant especially the Devine promise of land such as Canaan. Therefore, many biblical themes and stories fall under the mythical category rather than the truth and anything concerning God’s creation and his dominion over the world are all myths.

The author gives critical contents of the bible to those that think that the bible has more hidden meaning and require critical analysis to establish the truth. According to the author, literal reading of the bible will not elaborate the statements or give the actual meaning to those who need a serious interpretation of the bible. The author, being a religious scholar feels that it is impossible to establish the truth concerning the bible stories especially the creation story that has two different accounts. Other scriptures such as the death of Christ on the cross for human redemption cannot be verified with historical facts. One requires to have faith and not look for sense or meaning for many of the bible scriptures. The truth of the bible can only be understood in terms of descriptive accuracy especially in the cases like when Jonah was swallowed by the Whale. Some verses appear very simple, but establishing facts concerning its contents is the main challenge.

Write a brief essay (five to six pages long) on a topic selected from part A or part B, below.
A. It’s important that students be encouraged to contest their professors’ ideas when they have other
ideas, supported by evidence and argument. So, here are some ideas that roughly conform to Prof. Cox’s
notions. If you wish, pick one of the following ideas and argue against it:
1. During the course of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, and the first three chapters of 1 Kings, providence becomes
less influential on people’s lives.
2. Saul was not a bad king; he was simply confronted by insurmountable obstacles.
3. The rebellion of Absalom illustrates the fact that David was not a good king.
B. Select one of the following topics and agree or disagree with the quoted assertion, or revise it to fit
your understanding of the text.
1. “It’s a good thing that Solomon prays for wisdom (1 Kings 3), because that’s something that his father
never possessed.”
2. “Isaiah and the Psalms are both aids to reflection, and they will lead you to the same basic religious
ideas.” In writing on this topic, consult the Psalms and passages from Isaiah that are listed on the
syllabus; you are not asked to consult additional passages.
3. “Under the circumstances shown in 1 and 2 Samuel and the first chapters of 1 Kings [those on the
syllabus], Joab proved himself a better leader than David.”
4. “If tested by Isaiah’s standards, David would get a very low grade.