Sharon:
Mike, before we get into all these deep talks about the Bible, I think it helps to just say where we’re both coming from. I’ll go first. For me, the Bible has always been God’s Word—plain and clear. I grew up reading it, trusting it, and believing every word was true just as it’s written.
Mike:
Thanks for sharing that, Sharon. I respect that a lot. I grew up with the Bible too, and I’ve always believed it’s God’s Word. But over time, I started to see that it’s written in a lot of different styles—some parts are poems, some are laws, and some are stories. I still trust it fully, but I’ve come to see that not every part is meant to be read the same way.
Sharon:
But the Bible says God doesn’t change. His Word is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That makes me feel safe. If I start thinking parts of it are just stories or symbols, then how do I know what to trust?
Mike:
That’s a good question. And I get why you feel that way. But for me, knowing that the Bible was written by real people in real times doesn’t make it less true. It makes it even more amazing. God chose to speak through people, and He used their voices, cultures, and ways of writing to show us His truth.
Sharon:
But doesn’t that open the door for confusion? Like if someone says, “Well, that part is just symbolic,” and another says, “No, that really happened,” then who’s right? If we don’t have a solid answer, people might walk away from the Bible completely.
Mike:
It’s true—confusion is a risk. But I think asking honest questions about what kind of writing we’re reading can help us understand God better. I’m not trying to change the Bible. I’m just trying to read it the way the writers meant it. For example, when David says in Psalms, “God is my rock,” we don’t think God is literally a rock. It’s a picture of strength.
Sharon:
That makes sense for poetry. Psalms is full of that kind of writing. But what about Genesis? Or the Gospels? Those are written like history. I just feel like the safest path is to read everything as true and real unless the Bible clearly says, “This is a parable.”
Mike:
And I respect that. I do think some parts are historical and meant to be taken literally. But I also think some parts are filled with symbols to show something deeper. Jesus often taught that way. He told stories, used pictures, and spoke in ways that made people think.
Sharon:
But Jesus always told the truth. Even when He spoke in parables, He made it clear it was a story. He didn’t leave people guessing. He said, “The kingdom of heaven is like…” and then He’d explain the meaning.
Mike:
That’s true. But even then, not everyone understood. Some walked away still confused. I think Jesus was okay with that because He wanted people to keep seeking. He wanted them to come closer, to ask, to learn.
Sharon:
I just don’t want to make the Bible harder than it is. God gave it to us to help us live. If we have to study every sentence like a puzzle, it might scare people away.
Mike:
I see it differently. I think the Bible is deep, not to scare us—but to invite us in. Kind of like a treasure chest. Some treasures are on the top. Easy to grab. Others are buried a little deeper. But it’s all the same treasure from the same God.
Sharon:
I guess we’re both trying to honor God in how we read the Bible. I want to stand firm on the truth. You want to search out the meaning. Maybe we’re both doing our best to love His Word.
Mike:
I think so too. We just approach it in different ways. You hold it like a sword—sharp, solid, ready. I hold it like a lamp—shining light in dark places, helping me take one step at a time.
Sharon:
That’s a good picture. And I’m glad we can talk about this. I’ve met people who just argue and try to win. But you’re not doing that. You’re listening, and I appreciate that.
Mike:
Thanks, Sharon. And I’ve met people who shut down if you question anything. But you haven’t done that. You’ve stood strong, but you’ve also been willing to listen.
Sharon:
So maybe this isn’t about who’s “right.” Maybe it’s about being faithful. Faithful to read. Faithful to seek. Faithful to trust. We can do that together.
Mike:
Yes, we can. I’m not trying to change your view. And you’re not trying to change mine. But maybe God is using both of us to stretch each other. To sharpen each other. That’s what fellowship is about, right?
Sharon:
Right. And I think these conversations are good for the church. People need to see that we can have different views on things without falling apart.
Mike:
Exactly. And we agree on the big things—Jesus is Lord, the Bible is God’s Word, salvation is by grace through faith. That’s a strong foundation.
Sharon:
Yes. And that’s enough to start walking together, even if our paths don’t always match step by step.
Mike:
So let’s keep walking. Keep reading. Keep asking and answering and praying. God’s big enough for all our questions and steady enough for all our trust.
Sharon:
Then let’s begin. From Genesis to Revelation, we’ve got a lot to explore. And we’ll do it side by side—even when we see things differently.
Mike:
I wouldn’t want it any other way.