None of the 'truths' you've quoted there are 'literal' truths. But they are truth's in the sense that they were intended to very clearly convey a point.
1. The mustard seed : humans have very little confidence in their belief
2. Phillip : there is only faith, not proof
3. God & Money : if you don't master your cravings you'll have a hard job nurturing good morality
4. Gouge out your eye : morality involves sacrifice
The Catholic church has publicly stated it's position on literalism : http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/wo...574768.ece
And that's the stance of the mainstream church. A few people do cling on to absolute literalism, but I find their arguments to be seriously flawed in very many ways. As Min says, those are very easy to dismiss.
1. The mustard seed : humans have very little confidence in their belief
2. Phillip : there is only faith, not proof
3. God & Money : if you don't master your cravings you'll have a hard job nurturing good morality
4. Gouge out your eye : morality involves sacrifice
The Catholic church has publicly stated it's position on literalism : http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/wo...574768.ece
And that's the stance of the mainstream church. A few people do cling on to absolute literalism, but I find their arguments to be seriously flawed in very many ways. As Min says, those are very easy to dismiss.
