"Thumbs up for having a go, but we either have to discuss the bible implying it is true or start from scratch and argue it's truth."
It's not that easy, though, because we come at it from two different directions. If we approach it from the "bible is true" perspective, you have to show that the prophecies were fulfilled - otherwise the bible isn't true. But then you, from my view, get into a circular argument as the only proof that (most of) the prophecies are true is in the bible. To me, the inclusion in a later text of a passage fulfilling a previous prophecy isn't proof.
In addition, there is the perennial problem of christians refusing to believe that the bible is true. Take D12's assertion above that John 19:17 is wrong. It is quite specific - Jesus carried his cross to Golgotha. But this doesn't fit with D12's philosophy of Jesus being so badly scourged that he, most unusually, died within hours on the cross, so it must be ignored and the alternative version from the synoptic gospels used. What the bible SAYS is irrelevant. What D12 wants to believe is more important, to the extent of suggesting that Mel Gibson got it more right than the bible! Neither version indicates that the load was shared.
This all stems form the fear that if one part of the bible isn't true then, simply, the bible isn't true. It cannot be the true word of god, as it isn't true. If one thing can be shown to be untrue, then the reliability of the rest is in doubt.
So, approaching our discussion from the basis that the bible is true is a non-starter.
Discussing the truth in the bible sounds much more promising. Do you mean the truth in the overall message, or something more subtle? We could start with Luke 11:9. What is the truth in that statement, and how do we apply it?
I think that Jesus speaking in parables, that is, the word of god himself talking metaphorically, is a big move from trying to find metaphors in the rest of the book. Where would one stop? So many christians spend their lives trying to metaphorically interpret the bible to justify not doing what christ or the apostles tell them to do (or not do); it is a complete waste of time, and REALLY misses the truths in the book! For instance, how many christians do you know who have given everything they own to the poor to follow Jesus (but still sing the old "I will follow Jesus" hymn with great gusto) and live by faith alone?
