Why is the bible full of metaphors that need 'interpretation'

[Haddock]

I know that if I were a divine being, writing a book for the masses to follow for thousands of years, I'd make it easy to understand. None of this "demon shooting swords out of his mouth" metaphor shit. I'd make it simple and literal.

If it took me several million years to make the earth, why would I write "seven days" for people to interpret as millions of years? Why not just write "seven million years"?

[Dre Crabbe]

Because when you don't interpret one thing this way and another thing that way, you come to realize that the bible actually doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

[purplemonkeydishwasher]

yeah hes right the bible dosnt make sense at all but try telling that to a religious person because they dont want to listen.

like if you ask them what did all the animals eat when the got off the ark they just shut up>

[blututh]

Because the people who follow the Bible need to be able to reconcile it's teachings with their own modern lives, thus making it easier and more convenient to be a Christian.

[crazed_hamster]

It's poetry, for one. And God didn't write the Bible. Prophets did. Prophets never speak clearly for fear that people will understand and realize that they're just spewing shit.