Understanding parables

[HelenRose]

Hi,

Which version of the Bible would you suggest is the best to read? I’m a Muslim and I recently listen a talk regarding interfaith presentations, and I just wanted to augment my knowledge of the Bible side of the narrative.

This question is for anyone who is able to explain.

Thank you and God bless.

I use the New American Bible. I grew up with the King James Version but that translation is 400 years old and uses English words that are no longer in use. Some translations are more word for word and other translations are paraphrased.

You can also find Bibles that have several translations side by side which can give a serious student different perspectives.

Then there is the problem of interpretation. Some Christians take the Bible absolutely literally and others more allegorically.

As a Catholic, I accept the Catholic Church’s interpretation. But, when I was a Protestant I accepted the interpretation of my minister.

 

[fred_conty]

It helps to understand that the parable of the sower went out to sow some wheat. Some fell on hard ground, some with weeds and thistles, some of the seeds the birds came and ate, and then some made it which produced 30 fold, 60 fold, 100 fold.

This parable is along those same lines of the one you refered to … about producing something good from our lives, and in various amounts; 5 pounds, 10 pounds, and 0 pounds.

However the coin parable is a warning about the sloth and fear in us that prevents us from producing 5 fold, and 10 fold. The wheat parable is about what outside evils that attack us to prevent us from producing 30 fold, 60 fold, 100 fold.

Both parables should be a consolation that we are never asked to do more than what we are able to do. And at the same time a warning of what we need to be aware of both in ourselves and outside ourselves to be productive. Each should be applied to ourselves to see where our weaknesses lay, and then determine, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to make corrections, even tho they may be small.

 

[CyrilSebastian]

One reason Jesus tells the parable in Luke 19: 11-27 is to explain that the coming of the Kingdom will be delayed.
He is about to finish his ministry at Jerusalem, which means his death and leaving this earth.
Does not the reference to “a distant country” mean that Christ cannot be expected to return very soon?

 

[Aristo]

I use the New American Bible. I grew up with the King James Version but that translation is 400 years old and uses English words that are no longer in use. Some translations are more word for word and other translations are paraphrased.

You can also find Bibles that have several translations side by side which can give a serious student different perspectives.

Then there is the problem of interpretation. Some Christians take the Bible absolutely literally and others more allegorically.

As a Catholic, I accept the Catholic Church’s interpretation. But, when I was a Protestant I accepted the interpretation of my minister.

Hi Helen,

Thank you much for your reply and advice.

I’ve heard about the King James Version. Some people suggested it is more original and contains higher language. I suppose that is understandable, the closer something is to it is original moment, the more pure it may be considered. God knows best.

Since you mentioned it, what would you say is the primary difference between Protestant and Roman Catholic? I heard this terms thrown around, but no one actually explained them. I general prefer Christians to elaborate these things for me since they are the actual followers of the Faith as oppose to online pedagogy.

With regards

 

[HelenRose]

Hi Helen,

Thank you much for your reply and advice.

I’ve heard about the King James Version. Some people suggested it is more original and contains higher language. I suppose that is understandable, the closer something is to it is original moment, the more pure it may be considered. God knows best.

Since you mentioned it, what would you say is the primary difference between Protestant and Roman Catholic? I heard this terms thrown around, but no one actually explained them. I general prefer Christians to elaborate these things for me since they are the actual followers of the Faith as oppose to online pedagogy.

With regards

There is very little difference in a Protestant Bible and a Roman Catholic Bible except that there are seven books in the Roman Catholic Bible that Protestants do not believe are divinely inspired. They are Tobit, Judith, 1&2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach and Baruch. The Protestant view on these books is that they contain history and are studied by Protestant scholars but are not accepted as scripture.

These 7 books were considered scriptural by Christians until the Protestant Reformation removed them from their canon some 500 years ago.

The King James Version is more poetic. When I pray the Psalms, I love the sound of the old Elizabethan English.

 

[HelenRose]

Here is the 23rd Psalm with King James Version and the New International Version.
Each says the same thing but I find the King James Version much more beautiful.

King James Version

1 The LORD is my shepherd ; I shall not want . 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies : thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever .

New International Version

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever

 

[OldArmyDog]

Here is the 23rd Psalm with King James Version and the New International Version.
Each says the same thing but I find the King James Version much more beautiful.

King James Version

1 The LORD is my shepherd ; I shall not want . 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies : thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever .

New International Version

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever

I enjoy reading my Catholic Bible but I would be lying if I said I do not miss the Old English rhythms from my Protestant youth.

Having said that, I find myself spending more time in reflection on deeper meanings with the modern English translation rather than the time I spent puzzling over and sometimes having to research word usage in the King James version.

 

[HelenRose]

I enjoy reading my Catholic Bible but I would be lying if I said I do not miss the Old English rhythms from my Protestant youth.

Having said that, I find myself spending more time in reflection on deeper meanings with the modern English translation rather than the time I spent puzzling over and sometimes having to research word usage in the King James version.

The verses I learned by memory as a child will always remain King James. But for learning and understanding the newer translations are better.

 

[Aristo]

There is very little difference in a Protestant Bible and a Roman Catholic Bible except that there are seven books in the Roman Catholic Bible that Protestants do not believe are divinely inspired. They are Tobit, Judith, 1&2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach and Baruch. The Protestant view on these books is that they contain history and are studied by Protestant scholars but are not accepted as scripture.

These 7 books were considered scriptural by Christians until the Protestant Reformation removed them from their canon some 500 years ago.

The King James Version is more poetic. When I pray the Psalms, I love the sound of the old Elizabethan English.

Is that so? I didn’t know at all. Well, thank you for that clarification. You are right, when writings go through the ages of history, there is always bound to be some slipping of the pen and even interpolations. For example, I was looking at some F F Bruce extracts on general Bible history. Of course the reason being, as a Muslim, I felt compelled to look into Christianity where the difference exist or erupt from. According to the Glorious Quran, those who called themselves Christians are suppose to be the closest in affection and love to the Muslims, since most Christians don’t action out of arrogance and among them are genuine and reasonable devotees. For example they both believe and acknowledge the Messiah. Nonetheless, the Protestant example you cited is proof that conflict inevitable in human civilisation. I’m currently discussing with some one else about the religion of Abraham as from the perspective of Christians,but he can’t seem to share a substantial answer, can you help?

 

[HelenRose]

Is that so? I didn’t know at all. Well, thank you for that clarification. You are right, when writings go through the ages of history, there is always bound to be some slipping of the pen and even interpolations. For example, I was looking at some F F Bruce extracts on general Bible history. Of course the reason being, as a Muslim, I felt compelled to look into Christianity where the difference exist or erupt from. According to the Glorious Quran, those who called themselves Christians are suppose to be the closest in affection and love to the Muslims, since most Christians don’t action out of arrogance and among them are genuine and reasonable devotees. For example they both believe and acknowledge the Messiah. Nonetheless, the Protestant example you cited is proof that conflict inevitable in human civilisation. I’m currently discussing with some one else about the religion of Abraham as from the perspective of Christians,but he can’t seem to share a substantial answer, can you help?

There is a lot of misunderstanding between people of all faiths. The teaching of the Catholic Church in regard to Islam is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 841.

841 The Church’s relationship with the Muslims. “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”

 

[HelenRose]

Is that so? I didn’t know at all. Well, thank you for that clarification. You are right, when writings go through the ages of history, there is always bound to be some slipping of the pen and even interpolations. For example, I was looking at some F F Bruce extracts on general Bible history. Of course the reason being, as a Muslim, I felt compelled to look into Christianity where the difference exist or erupt from. According to the Glorious Quran, those who called themselves Christians are suppose to be the closest in affection and love to the Muslims, since most Christians don’t action out of arrogance and among them are genuine and reasonable devotees. For example they both believe and acknowledge the Messiah. Nonetheless, the Protestant example you cited is proof that conflict inevitable in human civilisation. I’m currently discussing with some one else about the religion of Abraham as from the perspective of Christians,but he can’t seem to share a substantial answer, can you help?

This story from the New Testaments tells all of how we are to treat others. We often forget who our neighbor is.
*
The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’**”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”***

 

[Aristo]

There is a lot of misunderstanding between people of all faiths. The teaching of the Catholic Church in regard to Islam is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 841.

841 The Church’s relationship with the Muslims. “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”

I think this relationship should grow. It just shows what’s really happening out there is distorted via media. Muslims and Christians always had a relationship since they both believe in the Merciful Creator and both believe in Jesus. By the way, are you familiar with the Gospel of Barnabas?

 

[HelenRose]

I think this relationship should grow. It just shows what’s really happening out there is distorted via media. Muslims and Christians always had a relationship since they both believe in the Merciful Creator and both believe in Jesus. By the way, are you familiar with the Gospel of Barnabas?

Yes. It tells a different story of who Jesus was. It is the book that Muslims use in their interpretation of the life of Christ.

The Catholic Church holds to the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These are the writings that I hold as Sacred Scripture and believe in.

 

[HelenRose]

Wikipedia has a fairly in depth article of the Gospel of Barnabas.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Barnabas

 

[Aristo]

Yes. It tells a different story of who Jesus was. It is the book that Muslims use in their interpretation of the life of Christ.

The Catholic Church holds to the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These are the writings that I hold as Sacred Scripture and believe in.

What do you mean Muslims use it to interpret the life of Jesus? In my understanding Muslims have no authority on the Bible, right? It’s just I have ordered one recently for perusal via Amazon. and wanted to read it for myself due to some recommendations made previously to me. Why is it not in the Bible though? I was intrigued as to why the Muslims may use it yet it is not in the Bible. Do you acknowledge it?

 

[spina1953]

Aristo: According to Samuel Green, the Gospel of Barnabas is a forgery by some think Ahmad Shlafaat in the 14th. century Spain. There are only two known manuscripts that exist, one in Spanish and one in Italian before any copies were ever made. The manuscripts have numerous errors and many of the quote are from the Latin Valgate

      There are great many reasons as to why the Gospel would never be considered inspired or accepted by Christians, but here are a few: 1) It states God is one but not three persons in the Trinity; and no divinity of Jesus. 2) It states Mahammad is the last Prophet of God.3) It states that Mahammad is the Messiah. 4) It does not talk about original sin. 5) It states the last Prophet will be an Ishmaelite. 6) it denies the crucifixion. 7) Does not give an accurate account of the life of Jesus.

The Gospel of Barnabas was a very poorly written attempt to forge a life of Jesus consonant with the profile of Jesus in the Quran and Islamic tradition. There is much on the internet one can research on the Gospel of Barnabas that might prove helpful to anyone interested in the history of this Gospel and why it is not accepted by Christians.

 

[HelenRose]

What do you mean Muslims use it to interpret the life of Jesus? In my understanding Muslims have no authority on the Bible, right? It’s just I have ordered one recently for perusal via Amazon. and wanted to read it for myself due to some recommendations made previously to me. Why is it not in the Bible though? I was intrigued as to why the Muslims may use it yet it is not in the Bible. Do you acknowledge it?

I don’t understand the tone of anger in your response. Dialog with a person of another faith is encouraged by our Church. Trying to understand where someone is coming from does not in any way diminish my faith, the love I have for Christ my Savior, the Bible, my Church, or in the CCC. I don’t believe it is necessary to beat someone over the head with truth. Paul said, “I am persuaded”. I wish to persuade with kindness, compassion and understanding.

 

[HelenRose]

We could do well by studying the parables and listening carefully how Jesus persuades us to love each other and how to treat those of different faiths. This thread is about parables and their meanings.

 

[Aristo]

I don’t understand the tone of anger in your response. Dialog with a person of another faith is encouraged by our Church. Trying to understand where someone is coming from does not in any way diminish my faith, the love I have for Christ my Savior, the Bible, my Church, or in the CCC. I don’t believe it is necessary to beat someone over the head with truth. Paul said, “I am persuaded”. I wish to persuade with kindness, compassion and understanding.

I beg your pardon for any inconvenience. No anger was intended in my last post at all. This is the problem with computers nowadays. People can easily misunderstand each other since they are not talking face to face.

Your faith in Almighty God should not diminish, and if it does, you try to pick it up again. Only the faith of the prophets always increased but the faith of mortals always fluctuates. This is normal. We are not angels nor are we Jinns, we are Sons and daughters of Man. We are fallible indeed and only Almighty God knows best. All who are God conscious on this Earth are honoured.

In Arabic he the Maseeh i.e. the anointed. Muslims love him too. There is also no compulsion in religion, as Allah already declares that in His last revelation, the Glorious Quran. It is also impossible to beat someone on the head with the Truth, because the Truth is what every one is looking for, Even Alexander the Great was apparently looking for the Fountain of Youth.

In Islamic Eschatology he is saviour too. The 2nd coming you call this I think Christianity.

Guest what? It finally arrived, the Gospel of Barnabas I mentioned previously, remember. I shall read it and perhaps ask any clarifications of you if needed. Thank you Helen.

 

[HelenRose]

I beg your pardon for any inconvenience. No anger was intended in my last post at all. This is the problem with computers nowadays. People can easily misunderstand each other since they are not talking face to face.

Your faith in Almighty God should not diminish, and if it does, you try to pick it up again. Only the faith of the prophets always increased but the faith of mortals always fluctuates. This is normal. We are not angels nor are we Jinns, we are Sons and daughters of Man. We are fallible indeed and only Almighty God knows best. All who are God conscious on this Earth are honoured.

In Arabic he the Maseeh i.e. the anointed. Muslims love him too. There is also no compulsion in religion, as Allah already declares that in His last revelation, the Glorious Quran. It is also impossible to beat someone on the head with the Truth, because the Truth is what every one is looking for, Even Alexander the Great was apparently looking for the Fountain of Youth.

In Islamic Eschatology he is saviour too. The 2nd coming you call this I think Christianity.

Guest what? It finally arrived, the Gospel of Barnabas I mentioned previously, remember. I shall read it and perhaps ask any clarifications of you if needed. Thank you Helen.

It is true that often our intent does not come through the way we want it to. I apologize for jumping the gun.

I will be asking you about the book. I have only read about the Gospel of Barnabus and know what it is. I haven’t felt a real need to read it but it would probably be a good idea. I think that it will irritate me though.

Through my Church I am taking a wonderful course on the Bible now :“The Bible Timeline:The Story of Salvation” I have so much to learn about the Bible as it is.

I wish I could convey the love I have for the real Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John to Muslims. I try to understand the way they feel about the Qur’an. It would be hard for Muslims to hear the truth of God’s plan for all of us.