Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 7/21/2005

Question
George:

I have a question about the literal sense of certain biblical events. Of the following events, which are to be taken literally, and which are to be taken metaphorically? Creation story(six days); Sun stopping in sky in Joshua; Plagues Moses brings upon the Egyptians; Walls of Jericho tumble down; Jonah swallowed by a big fish; Job and all his suffering. If we are not to take these literally, then how do Catholic scriptural scholars explain their meanings?

Thank You.

Art Granville

Answer
                        Peace

Dear Art
  I decided to share with you a basic review of all the sense of scriptures. It might help answer your question more clearly. Then share abit on the stories you named.

Literal sense:
The literal meaning of the words, as understood according to the genre of the text. Its important to get this one right because, its us to understand the other senses
The Spiritual Senses
Allegorical sense:
The Christological meaning of the text; what to hold by faith in the incarnate Word, Christ the Head of the Church Militant

Moral or Tropological sense:
The meaning the text has in relation to the conduct of the members of Christ (that's us); how we are to act in charity

Anagogical or Eschatological sense:
The meaning the text has in relation to Christ the Head of the Church Triumphant; what to look forward to in hope.

Further, the latter three senses, the spiritual senses of the text, can be understood as they apply to the members of Christ the Head; that is, human beings and the good angels. Also the spiritaul never conflicts with the literal, thats where studying cultural things, events, and persons comes in handy.

Story Sharing

1. the Hebrew had 3 words for day. One was our 24 period of time. One refer to a sacred or secular period of time, such as the reign of a high priest or king. The third refers to an era or long period of time, such as the golden era of radio or the Stone Age. I believe I recall, its the third word used. I cant spell any of the three.

2.Stopping the Sun? I would need review the story abit and research related events of science and literature, to give a more complete answer.

3. I believe the plagues were real, they are known to happened.

4.The fell out not in as does walls do naturally. Many archologist believe Jericho was found in the late 1950's or early 1960's. I can try to find my notes on it.

5. Jesus used as allegory to point to his own death and rising from the grave. I believe Jonah was indeed swallowed by a big fish (not a whale).

6. They could have happened, why not?


I hope this has been some help.

                  your servant but His first
                          george