Who's the Author, Anyway?

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BetteTheRed said:
Do you have a good working definition of "wisdom"?
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I think so. It appears to concur with dictionaries and encyclopedias. That it being based on sensible or wise thinking, I.E knowledge, and good judgement, the quality of being wise.
BetteTheRed said:
Also, I think you'd be hard pressed to decide about the "wisdom" of a parable, for instance. I attend a weekly ecumenical bible study. We'll ALWAYS come up with at least one more interpretation of a passage than there are participants; we're very Jewish that way, lol.
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I'm sorry I not interest in interpretation, I talking about the actual words written in the books. The wise statements. Not what people manipulate the verse to mean.
 
Pavlos Maros said:
'm sorry I not interest in interpretation,
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Interpretation happens all the time and not just in religion. Scientists interpret data in light of what hypothesis they are testing/developing. Stories of all sorts are interpreted, not always the way their authors expect. We interpret everything we read and every interaction we have to try to make sense of it. The idea that we can engage with reality without any kind of interpretation happening is simply nonsense. As soon as a human thinks about something, tries to make sense out of it, interpretation is happening. So called literalists are interpreting, too, to be quite honest.
 
So, the idea of "turning the other cheek" would be "unwise" by your definition? What about loving your neighbour?

Pavlos Maros said:
I'm sorry I not interest in interpretation, I talking about the actual words written in the books. The wise statements. Not what people manipulate the verse to mean.
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Take it you were never a fan of literature classes in school, lol.

Also assume that you're not very interested in Zen koans.

You're a very literalist atheist, it seems.
 
Mendalla said:
Interpretation happens all the time and not just in religion. Scientists interpret data in light of what hypothesis they are testing/developing. Stories of all sorts are interpreted, not always the way their authors expect. We interpret everything we read and every interaction we have to try to make sense of it. The idea that we can engage with reality without any kind of interpretation happening is simply nonsense. As soon as a human thinks about something, tries to make sense out of it, interpretation is happening. So called literalists are interpreting, too, to be quite honest.
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Agreed. However I was referring to the bible per se, as it is the bible the thread is about.
BetteTheRed said:
So, the idea of "turning the other cheek" would be "unwise" by your definition? What about loving your neighbour?
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Where did I say they were unwise I said there is more wisdom in Aesops fables than there is in the bible. I did not specify any scriptures at all. So no.
BetteTheRed said:
Take it you were never a fan of literature classes in school, lol.
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Most definitely a fan. Where are you finding this stuff are you by chance interpreting my replies incorrectly.
There is literature and there is literature. Some should not be called literature and should be destine for the dustbin.
BetteTheRed said:
Also assume that you're not very interested in Zen koans.
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That would be true if they were Interpreting fiction as that is a meaningless game. But trying to understand a fact, by thinking about and making your own mind up is a wise thing to do. Even if it does involves a puzzle to reach the correct conclusion..
BetteTheRed said:
You're a very literalist atheist, it seems.
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I am in regard to holy books and other books of fiction. Trying to interpret them to mean or say what you want is pointless because the author has already done that.
 
Is humanity greatly meaningless as they lean towards emotional venting ... versus deeper understanding?

One must approach the underground or partisan side of this condition ... with some subtle satyr! Donkey jousting ...

Dueling penii ... very cocky!
 
The Bible is a collection of historic narratives. While fact is to be found here and there within those narratives, the Bible’s primary means is metaphoric. Those who preserve the Biblical narratives do so trusting that language offers encounter with being.

Those who dismiss metaphor are as confused as those who dismiss fact.
 
Luther suggested parents begin the education of their children by resort to Aesop’s fables. These serving to illustrate moral insight and encouragement.
 
It's so confusing just to see if some humans can put things to an order ... it may be a test! Is there a break some humorous relief after the exam?
 
GeoFee said:
Merely? Really?
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Yes really.
GeoFee said:
The Bible is a collection of historic narratives. While fact is to be found here and there within those narratives, the Bible’s primary means is metaphoric.
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Then the same can be said of the iliad, a thousand and one nights and even Winnie the pooh. Or any other book of fiction.
GeoFee said:
Those who dismiss metaphor are as confused as those who dismiss fact.
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Metaphor is a mean to convey a message. Metaphor is not truth or history. The fact the bible readers use mostly metaphor proves my statement correct. it is merely fiction. Why would anybody use metaphor when they have facts to convey. With metaphor it is all down to interpretation.
 
Then there is the story of war and conflict ... can friction be won over unless well greased ... by Olive?

www.nytimes.com

Documents Reveal U.S. Officials Misled Public on War in Afghanistan

The documents, obtained by The Washington Post, paint a stark picture of missteps and failures in the American effort to pacify and rebuild the country.
www.nytimes.com www.nytimes.com
​

You folks keep battling out from fixed positions ... while my mind drifts as quite open ...

Even human emotions need cholesterol and other fatty acids that we don;t see on an everyday exposure ... tis deep state affair .. cristal eels?
 
Pavlos Maros said:
Metaphor is a mean to convey a message.
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Metaphor is a means for conveying that which eludes rational definition. As we have two brain hemispheres working in our heads, there are two aspects of language. They are different but when working together produce opportunity for genuine human being. Some use language as a way of establishing one point of view as superior to another. I value language presenting diverse perspectives, allowing me to critically assess my own thinking and move towards greater clarity. I am not there yet.
 
GeoFee said:
pavlos maros said:
Metaphor is a mean to convey a message.
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Metaphor is a means for conveying that which eludes rational definition.
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That is why advertising companies use it to convey their message in a subliminal way.
GeoFee said:
As we have two brain hemispheres working in our heads, there are two aspects of language.
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Hence why the advertising companies use it to get their message across.
GeoFee said:
They are different but when working together produce opportunity for genuine human being. Some use language as a way of establishing one point of view as superior to another.
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This is why they say that the effect is moderated by hemispheric processing such that individuals high in right or integrative processing are more likely to provide valid interpretations of both types of metaphors.
GeoFee said:
I value language presenting diverse perspectives, allowing me to critically assess my own thinking and move towards greater clarity. I am not there yet.
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Clarity can never be found via opaque means. you are flogging a dead horse.
 
GeoFee said:
Assuming your interpretation trumps my intention?
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Could be more transparent than opaque lesser communications that the higher powers deny anyway! The search for power is humbled by putting your head down and examining the earthy microbes! Little folk ...
 
Fact: The Bible is a collection, compiled over time, of narratives rooted in the experience of ancient Israel. The primary pattern is related to the use, misuse and abuse of power. This dynamic is present in the relationship of diverse monarchs and prophets. The monarchs being liable to abuse of power and the prophets calling them to account. My understanding leads me to stand in the prophetic tradition. I am resistant to the misuse and abuse of power. This with no concern for any difference expressed by theists and atheists. Let each think freely and act responsibly.

Fact: I am present to your imagination by these words in this context.
 
GeoFee said:
Fact: The Bible is a collection, compiled over time, of narratives rooted in the experience of ancient Israel.
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As is "A thousand and one nights" a collection, compiled over time, of narratives rooted in the experience of ancient Babylon. The primary pattern is related to the use, misuse and abuse of power. This dynamic is present in the relationship of diverse monarchs and prophets. The monarchs being liable to abuse of power and the prophets calling them to account. Both are fiction.
 
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