JC.
Your question assumes that the default position has been to read the
bible literally. However, the 'dogmatic literalist' view is a
distortion of modern times. So, the short answer to your question
'when did people seriously consider the bible from a non-literalist
view' is: Always. From the beginning, theologians did not take the
bible "literally" or simplistically, but have always thought deeply
about it's message. Indeed, from the 2nd to 6th centuries (the time
of the church fathers), the 'default position' of biblical
interpretation was primarily allegorical. The 1600's (although not
exclusivley) saw the addition of historical criticism. It's only in
modern times (last 50 years?), that the bible has been taken in a
simplistic, slogan-like way by both fundamentalist Christians and
fundamentalist Atheists.
The form of your question also assumes that the entire bible must
either be understood literally or not. However, biblical
interpretation has always been an issue of which parts warrant literal
interpretation, which allegorical, and which metaphorical.
I can sympathize with Claudia's situation; violence and aggression are
frightening and unwelcome (to say nothing of the noise!). I'm not sure
that religion is to blame or really has that much to do with it though
. Real religion always encourages a deep and thoughtful
self-questioning with regard to one's outlook and motives while always
maintaining a deep concern and respect for others and their worldview.
Fundamentalism as it has come to be known, is not, I think, a
religious issue as much as it is an issue of basic human fear: the
fear of change. When things are changing, when the world doesn't suit
us, when we no longer see our personal values reflected in our
environment, we become frightened and the usual response is to lash
out and try to force the world back into our view of how it should be.
To accomplish this people may use religion ("fundamentalism"), or
politics (tea party?), or education (ivory towers), or any number of
other ways.
So I don't really think it is a religious issue as much as just a
human one. But I think real religion actually helps us here with the
thoughtful re-assessment of our prejudice. For the truly religious,
the world, the people in it, and it's constant change are
opportunities for growth and care of our fellows. Force and violence
are not something which can ever be condoned. It's only when religion
is hijacked by basic human fears that "religion" condones violence and
oppression.
--Mike
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