The Bible is an important book for all Christians but Christians have different ways of interpreting it. Some Christians take the Bible literally, others have a conservative (or traditional), understanding. A third group interpret the Bible liberally.

Christians who interpret the Bible literally believe that every word of it is the direct word of God. The Bible writers were rather like secretaries who took down the exact words that their boss dictated to them. The Bible can therefore contain no mistakes. If historians or scientists come up with "evidence" that seems to contradict the Bible, then the historians and scientists are wrong, not the Bible.

Conservative Christians believe that the Bible is the word of God but they accept that you cannot say that it is true word for word in a literal sense. You need to understand that that Bible contains different types of writing. For example when Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd," he was using a metaphor and did not mean that he worked as a shepherd. However, the Bible is a reliable source of information and what it says should be accepted as true.

This approach says that the Bible writers were inspired by God. However, they were people of their time and had human weaknesses. They could have made mistakes. People have to read the Bible critically as it cannot be taken at face value. It is also very important to be aware that the Bible contains different types of writing.

"God made the world in six 24 hour days. This is what the Bible says."

"The Gospels record different versions of the resurrection story. But Jesus was raised from the dead."

"Even though Ephesians claims to be written by Paul, I don't think he wrote it."

"When the Bible talks of the resurrection I think it means a spiritual resurrection."

"If anyone says Adam didn't exist they are wrong."

"The Bible shouldn't be read like a science text book but God did create the universe."

2. Which way of understanding the Bible do you think is best? Write up your answer in your book giving     reasons for your answer and showing that you have considered different points of view.