Interesting topic!  I have to say I agree and disagree with some of this.  First off, I can understand what that person may have meant by making it more literal in a church atmosphere... It's so difficult now-a-days to do things and not get taken the wrong way.  Don't get me wrong, I think most "PolCor" deals are stupid.  Am just sayin I can maybe see their point.

 

I DO agree with your point though in that it should be allowed that a person go to God for the interpretation if they are confused or if it is not obvious.  But I also believe that the church is a representative of God, and that if you cause confusion, this is not a good idea either.  Such a fine line to walk sometimes dontcha think?

 

One thing I take minor issue with though is the whole "biblical abstract" thingie.  Agreed, Jesus used parables to teach people about different lessons in life.  And granted, some of it sounds a bit difficult to understand.  But if you really look at it, it is quite plain what he was saying and he always followed with, or promised an interpretation afterwards.  I believe the bible states, that if someone is going to prophesy for example in church, that there also MUST be someone there to interpret.  (Sorry can't 'member where that was said)  This is an important aspect in teaching faith I believe and it has always hit close to home with me.  I have been to many churches in the past where everyone was speaking out and such and no one was there to interpret.  God is a God of order, not chaos.  Therefore, his church should represent that.  I am not speaking in extremes here either!  I think that churches shouldn't dictate either... cause then you supress, and a buncha nasties come out of that.  The balance is key, and that is why church leaders have such an important job-they need to find this meeting ground where people can feel free to come to God by CHOICE, yet understand what they are doing and why.  My overall opinion would be that He DOES speak plainly to those who are willing to listen.  I think it's more of a choice whether or not people WISH to make things more complicated.  It's sort of like life in general; the more complicated you make it, the harder it is to live.  When one slows down, and simplifies their life, things start to make sense.  I believe the same goes for God and the bible.  Yes, there are things that are difficult to understand, and things written in prophetic terms.  Some of these things I am sure not everyone is meant to understand at first glance.  But no where in the bible does God say it's all easy... LOL  So I guess the path to him, is full of important details like any other thing we do in life.  Just depends on your approach I suppose. (-;

 

I think that God is only as abstract as you wanna make him.  Sometimes he allows us to be challenged, and sometimes, he will allow us to see an answer easily.  Guess it depends how closely one communes with him and how open one is to listening to what he's gotta say!

 

Cool subject to ponder regardless!  Thanks for sharin girl!  xoxoxo