The Bible is Nothing more than Fairy Tales?

[adawgj]

Why do some people (not all) think the Bible is nothing more than fairy tales? To me this approach to reading the Bible seems to really close off the spiritual, historical, literary elements of it.

 

[animalis]

"The God of all Providence, Who in the adorable designs of His love at first elevated the human race to the participation of the Divine nature, and afterwards delivered it from universal guilt and ruin, restoring it to its primitive dignity, has in consequence bestowed upon man a splendid gift and safeguard - making known to him, by supernatural means, the hidden mysteries of His Divinity, His wisdom and His mercy. For although in Divine revelation there are contained some things which are not beyond the reach of unassisted reason, and which are made the objects of such revelation in order “that all may come to know them with facility, certainty, and safety from error, yet not on this account can supernatural Revelation be said to be absolutely necessary; it is only necessary because God has ordinated man to a supernatural end…”(Providentissimus deus, 1)

“The Church is the goal of all things” (CCC 760), we believe that those who see fairy tales in us will in some way also see validity yet in most runs at it they will not regard it. Even so they vocalize their sickness, they are still living and on the goal to the Church, a supernatural end. All the more we have a right and a duty by law to be prepared for their ‘entrance’ to things divine.

Pope Leo XIII, who I cite above, starts his encyclical on the study of Sacred Scripture, as denoting the sacred page as a “safeguard”, so when frequently read - we too will not regard our faith as a fairy tale nor shall we show deep sickness to others in many ways that we surely are capable.

 

[jeshuaelshaddai]

No one can possibly understand the things of God unless God enables Him. The Bible is foolishness to those that are perishing.

(For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 1Cr 1:18-2)

(But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” [Jer. 9:24]1Cr 1:27-31)

(At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Mat 11:25)

(Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Act 2:38)

(And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. Jhn 14:16-17)
(But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Jhn 14:26)

(We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 1Jo 4:6)

The world can’t believe because they have rejected the truth.

(They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Rom 1:28-31)

The Lord bless you and keep you

 

[Gorgias]

Why do some people (not all) think the Bible is nothing more than fairy tales?

Are you talking about the Old Testament or New Testament?

About 40 or 50 years ago, there was the thought – among Scripture scholars – that the historicity of the OT was suspect; they posited that the OT was (more or less) just stories that the ancient Hebrews had made up for spiritual purposes and passed down from generation to generation.

There have been, at various times and by various people, the propositions that the NT, too, is not completely historical. Some have disputed the veracity of the miracle stories in the Gospels, while others have suggested that the “historical Jesus” bears little resemblance to the man from Nazareth who walked the earth 2000 years ago.

Catholic Scripture scholars tend not to make these sorts of claims these days…

 

[Viewer]

Why do some people (not all) think the Bible is nothing more than fairy tales? To me this approach to reading the Bible seems to really close off the spiritual, historical, literary elements of it.

Depends on who these “some people” are.

An Athiest would reject many of the tales within the bible as fanciful since there is no scientific evidence of miracles being worked (People being turned to pillars of salt of Jesus walking on water) and to see is to believe.

They may however accept some of the historical accounts in the bible that there is archeological evidence to support (such as the existence of the temple). There are other accounts of the building from a variety of sources, and there are relics that suggest it’s existence. They see, so they believe those parts. This could also hold true for believers in any non-christian practices such as Confucians or Hindus.

A Hasidic Jew on the other hand would likely dismiss every element of the new testament on principle. It is not Jewish, therefore it cannot hold any truth.

 

[Scientia_Dei]

two words, Sola Scriptura. People read so literally that they dont understand what the Author(s) are saying. We see this in Protestants. They say ," For it is written,so it is sound and good." Not true. We must read the bible by understanding the culture,history, and type of writing was used.

 

[Tous_Logous]

Why do some people (not all) think the Bible is nothing more than fairy tales? To me this approach to reading the Bible seems to really close off the spiritual, historical, literary elements of it.

I’m not sure. But what I’m even more confused about is that some people believe in the Resurrection of Jesus but do not believe in any of the miracles he did. And many Christians don’t believe in the Real Presence. When Jesus says “this is my body” and “this is my blood” why even bother to go against what He Himself said?

Yet all these things are written in the New Testament. So much for Sola Scriptura?

I think people would like to think the Bible is nothing more than fairy tales because we (secular westerners) simply can. Not to mention, it’s a popular concept with teenagers/young adults. We scoff at the idea of there being one God who is the master over all, yet early Christians were martyred for the belief in one God who chose to come down as a Man. Even worse is the fact that other scientists/academics around me simply do not believe in God and certainly don’t believe what’s written in the Bible.

 

[Frankenfurter]

The phrase ‘nothing more than fairy tales’ does speak volumes.

Fairy Tales reflect a common experience, a universal set of fears, hopes.

I would expect no less from my creator’s words.

 

[minkymurph]

The phrase ‘nothing more than fairy tales’ does speak volumes.

Fairy Tales reflect a common experience, a universal set of fears, hopes.

I would expect no less from my creator’s words.

I echo this.

Let’s say for the sake of argument the bible is nothing more than fairy tales. Let us not underestimate the value of fairy tales. They are used to hand on morals and principles and they are rooted in actuality.

A tutor I had in English Literature once said there is no such thing as a purely fictional story. I would argue there is no such thing as pure fiction. It is reputed the only truly fictional story is Jack and the Beanstalk. Dickens is fictional but it draws on the realities of the time. Most fictional authors draw on the world around them and base their characters on people they know. Cinderella was based on actualities. Consider Aesop’s fables. Are they of no value because they are fiction?

I’m Irish and many a play has been performed that is fictional, but rooted in experience. It’s not truly fictional. Much of Irish history prior to the 10 century is legend. It is still taught in schools. We know to take certain details as a pinch of salt but through legend we know and understand our roots. Putting religion to the side, the bible is an excellent anthropological account in terms of explaining how faith and law developed in the Ancient Near East. Laws in Western Democracies are rooted in the 10 Commandments. Even secular France has what is termed a ‘Good Samaritan’ law. The bible tells us how this thought developed. Yes, it is attributed to the Divine but from even from a purely anthropological perspective it gives us insight into the development of morals and law in societies.

At the risk of being controversial, the historical and geographical background to the bible gives us great insight. To illustrate, to me the bible explains the fall of Jerusalem was a consequence of a bad political decision and it was not punishment but rather the inevitable outcome. But - Isaiah warned against forming an allegiance with Egypt and I see that as God’s guiding hand. He was directing his people to make a wise decision and they did not listen to his prophet. So - it went badly for them. Not punishment for unfaithfulness but rather not listening to good advice from a Divine source.

What I say is based on biblical scholarship, but I will be the first to say it is what I have deduced and there is every possibility my theories are wrong and there is no obligation on anyone to accept them. The point is - do not dismiss a ‘fairy tale.’ They are much more valuable than they are given credit for.

 

[Bobby_Jim]

It’s a convenient & easy yet intellectually shallow way to shut down a meaningful conversation.

 

[Viewer]

It’s a convenient & easy yet intellectually shallow way to shut down a meaningful conversation.

Now this is a little bit strong isn’t it?

I consider whats in the Koran while of historical interest to be little more than that, but just because I am not open to the idea of Muhammad as a Prophet does that mean I am intellectually shallow?

Put this situation into reverse and assume you are a Muslim. Would you be open to the idea that Allah had a son? Probably not.

 

[Bobby_Jim]

Now this is a little bit strong isn’t it?

I consider whats in the Koran while of historical interest to be little more than that, but just because I am not open to the idea of Muhammad as a Prophet does that mean I am intellectually shallow?

Put this situation into reverse and assume you are a Muslim. Would you be open to the idea that Allah had a son? Probably not.

When the topic comes up do you use dismissive language like “the Koran is nothing more than fairy tales”? Or do you say what you just said above which shows a little more thoughtfulness.

When one says “the Bible is Nothing more than fairy tales” and similar variations, like equating belief in God with a “sky Daddy” or “tooth fairy” it is not just saying “I don’t believe the same thing as you”, but “you’re too stupid, infantile, and/or delusional to know the difference between reality and fantasy”. Unless you’re coming from the point of view that fairy tales actually have something worthwhile to say. But I don’t think that’s usually how it’s intended.

 

[Darryl1958]

Even fairy tales are not nothing more than fairy tales. People that say such things are merely making excuses for their own complete lack of curiousity.

 

[minkymurph]

Even fairy tales are not nothing more than fairy tales. People that say such things are merely making excuses for their own complete lack of curiousity.

I’m not sure I could agree Darryl. Are fairy tales not all about curiosity? The problem is thinking fairy tales are literal and fact. as opposed to understanding what they are designed to do. In the past they were designed to teach moral norms and principles to hold communities together. The facts and actualities did not matter to the audience. Like Aesop’s fables the moral of the story mattered - not whether a tortoise could in fact outrun a hare. Perhaps the fact is it so unrealistic was used to enforce the principle - slow and steady wins the race.

I would say it is not belief in the fairy tale is an excuse for lack of curiosity. Rather, missing the point of the fairy tale and thinking it is literal is the lack of curiosity. The world is black and white and rules are black and white and we will not modify anything we think because it is exactly as the fairy tale said - even though the author in their wildest dreams could not have envisaged people in the 21st century interpreting them that way.

 

[CatholicSoxFan]

People who compare the Gospels to Harry Potter are demonstrating their ignorance of human literature. The genre of the Gospels is a historical account, and the genre of Harry Potter is fiction. Note how this is the case independently of whether the Bible is actually history or not.

 

[Darryl1958]

I’m not sure I could agree Darryl. Are fairy tales not all about curiosity? The problem is thinking fairy tales are literal and fact. as opposed to understanding what they are designed to do. In the past they were designed to teach moral norms and principles to hold communities together. The facts and actualities did not matter to the audience. Like Aesop’s fables the moral of the story mattered - not whether a tortoise could in fact outrun a hare. Perhaps the fact is it so unrealistic was used to enforce the principle - slow and steady wins the race.

I would say it is not belief in the fairy tale is an excuse for lack of curiosity. Rather, missing the point of the fairy tale and thinking it is literal is the lack of curiosity. The world is black and white and rules are black and white and we will not modify anything we think because it is exactly as the fairy tale said - even though the author in their wildest dreams could not have envisaged people in the 21st century interpreting them that way.

If you recognize that Aesop’s fables have a moral to the story, then you are not disagreeing with my statement.
If there is a depth to the literary form called fairy tales, how much more so must this be the case for the Bible. which is far more sophisticated and filled with wisdom and morality, spirituality and insight into human nature, than anything from the literary genre labeled fables and fairy tales.

 

[minkymurph]

If you recognize that Aesop’s fables have a moral to the story, then you are not disagreeing with my statement.
If there is a depth to the literary form called fairy tales, how much more so must this be the case for the Bible. which is far more sophisticated and filled with wisdom and morality, spirituality and insight into human nature, than anything from the literary genre labeled fables and fairy tales.

I think I misunderstood your post. I understood it to mean people who think there is any value in fairy tales do so because of their own lack of curiosity. I take it this was not what you meant?

 

[Catholic_775]

** A Catholic totally destroys the protestant arguments in this recent Youtube debate. Here is the link…

youtube.com/watch?v=Qn1vC1Ez-OI **

 

[Darryl1958]

I think I misunderstood your post. I understood it to mean people who think there is any value in fairy tales do so because of their own lack of curiosity. I take it this was not what you meant?

Oh no, nothing like that.
I am responding to the oft repeated claim by scoffers and non-believers that believing in the Bible is like believing in the tooth fairy and the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus and fairy tales.

They think that they are being so superior and above it all and mature, but they are not.
For one, however you might interpret the Bible, this is some very complicated and difficult literature. It is very challenging to actually grasp the full understanding of it. There is nothing about it that is childish or immature or elementary, even at its most elementary level.

People who therefore dismiss it as childish haven’t even read it at the most elementary level. They are lacking in curiosity to dismiss it without making an effort to find out what they are rejecting.

And for that matter, even fairy tales- which the Bible most assuredly is not- deserve better than to be dismissed outright as mere childish texts. Even fairy tales give insights into human nature that goes beyond a child’s reading of them.

This is to say that I find people who make such criticisms of the Bible to be uninteresting and uninspiring.

 

[petras52]

Oh no, nothing like that.
I am responding to the oft repeated claim by scoffers and non-believers that believing in the Bible is like believing in the tooth fairy and the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus and fairy tales.

They think that they are being so superior and above it all and mature, but they are not.
For one, however you might interpret the Bible, this is some very complicated and difficult literature. It is very challenging to actually grasp the full understanding of it. There is nothing about it that is childish or immature or elementary, even at its most elementary level.

People who therefore dismiss it as childish haven’t even read it at the most elementary level. They are lacking in curiosity to dismiss it without making an effort to find out what they are rejecting.

And for that matter, even fairy tales- which the Bible most assuredly is not- deserve better than to be dismissed outright as mere childish texts. Even fairy tales give insights into human nature that goes beyond a child’s reading of them.

This is to say that I find people who make such criticisms of the Bible to be uninteresting and uninspiring.

Your comment about the Bible being complicated and difficult to understand raises another question in my mind. If the Bible was written by divinely inspired authors and was meant to be understood by the common person throughout the ages, then why make it so difficult? Shouldn’t it be fairly easy to understand without one having to search far and wide for hidden meanings and proper context?