(March 13, 2013 at 11:51 pm)Esquilax Wrote: The problem with accepting symbolic interpretations of the bible- especially if you're only doing so for some passages while taking literal meaning from others- is that you always run the risk of seeing something that the author never intended. By what right do you assume that your symbolic interpretation is anything other than a product of your own head?In this particularly case the author has revealed the symbolic meanings to a man, Emanuel Swedenborg, in the Arcana Coelestia. Now I do not merely accept this as pure revelation. I have found it to be internally consistent and insightful, and therefore worthy of serious consideration. That is my judgement. Others differ on that opinion. Secondly, a higher level of interpretation does not necessarily invalidate a literal reading. Both could be true, however the higher level provides additional insight into what is readily apparent on the surface.
(March 13, 2013 at 11:51 pm)Esquilax Wrote: Furthermore, it's simply staggering that you can advocate simultaneously for a position in which interpretation is allowed, yet the one you've settled on is the only possible real truth of the universe.Settled? Hardly, I just consider it the best working theory.
