Biblical literalism, politics don't mix

As political parties woo the so-called "evangelical" voter, and as society continues to deal with a brand of faith based significantly on Biblical literalism, we should consider four important lessons from the Bible itself to understand its true message.

First, Jesus chastised religious leaders of his day for their application of a literal and legalistic interpretation of scripture.

Second, Jesus frequently admonished his disciples for missing the meaning of his parables and taking his message literally.

Third, he taught principally with parables that were highly symbolic as the means to convey spiritual principles to everyday people through earthly examples.

Finally, the Bible consistently depicts the person and actions of God through symbolism (metonymy) based on organic metaphors.

It all adds up to a faith based on metaphorical, not literal, interpretation of scripture.

Before we accept the opinion of politicians using religion to get elected, or accept the contentions of faith-based voter groups trying to determine what is taught in our public schools, we should check their positions with the true and accurate foundations of the Bible.

Biblical literalism and its morally distorted, prejudicial, creationist belief system is not what God or Jesus intended for us to base our faith or our government upon.

Christopher L. Cudworth

Batavia