That’s why literal interpretation, when practical, is the safer path. Some non-believers would immediately say, “But the OT law and to literally follow it is horrific!” and I agree and say we are now under the New Law. That’s also why I’m only comfortable saying I’m a “Christian” and nothing else. I’m of the belief that the Word of God, the Bible and the actual words of God and Christ, have endured and presented itself in its form at any given time for the people’s needs. So, as you highlight, I believe word of human mouth and stories helped the people seek God’s salvation even during that period you’ve identified when there was no Bible (recently after Christ’s death to whenever the Gospels were written, and I’m in agreement with you that pre-70AD is certainly possible).
That’s why literal interpretation, when practical, is the safer path. Some non-believers would immediately say, “But the OT law and to literally follow it is horrific!” and I agree and say we are now under the New Law. That’s also why I’m only comfortable saying I’m a “Christian” and nothing else. I’m of the belief that the Word of God, the Bible and the actual words of God and Christ, have endured and presented itself in its form at any given time for the people’s needs. So, as you highlight, I believe word of human mouth and stories helped the people seek God’s salvation even during that period you’ve identified when there was no Bible (recently after Christ’s death to whenever the Gospels were written, and I’m in agreement with you that pre-70AD is certainly possible).
Then we are closer to each other in our beliefs than we are apart.
I'm off this place for the weekend, and maybe a week or two after that, because I use it to procrastinate, and I've got some deadlines. Stay frosty.
See ya. Thanks for the conversation.