Guidelines for Metaphysical Bible Interpretation

Last year, in "New Thought Magazine", I ran across an article that contained these guidelines for metaphysical Bible study.

1. Elements in Scripture represent ideas in mind.

2. Allegorical interpretation explains the idealistic process of "ideation and formation" in such a way that an increase in spiritual understanding and actual spiritual development results.

3. All allegorical interpretations must be in harmony with the principles of Being and primarily the assertion that: "There is only one Presence and one Power everywhere: God the good, omnipotent."

4. All allegorical interpretations must be relevant to the interpreter.

5. The Bible as a whole is an "idealistic illustration of the spiritual unfoldment of humanity."

6. All allegorical interpretations must be open to revision so that no interpretation can ever achieve dogmatic status.

7. Normative allegorical interpretations (as offered in "the metaphysical Bible dictionary" and Fillmore texts) presuppose the possibility that individuals may offer different interpretation on the basis of their personal inspiration.