11-12-2006, 10:34 AM
I think you've hit the nail on the head, Neal. I don't think that the stories in the Bible were ever intended to be taken literally. In Biblical times (especially the Old Testament), stories were the preferred method of teaching and explaining. Even Jesus used stories (parables) frequently in teaching. Not only are stories easier to remember (which was particularly important before the printing press was invented) but they can be framed in a context that would be understandable to the listeners.