Mo. speaker says Old Testament stories can't be taken literally
Apr 22, 2002
By Todd Starnes

ST. LOUIS (BP)--Some Old Testament Bible stories, including the account of Jonah, cannot be taken literally, said a Southwest Baptist University Bible professor who led weekend Bible studies for the new Baptist General Convention of Missouri.

Scott Langston, an associate dean and professor of biblical studies at Southwest Baptist University, shared his views following an April 19 meeting of moderate Missouri Baptists who are forming a new convention.

In a letter that appeared on the BGCM's website, Langston noted in a "testimony" that he has reservations about continuing to support the Southern Baptist Convention and the Missouri Baptist Convention.

"Fundamentally, I disagree with the Christianity that is espoused and acted out by those in the leadership of these organizations [SBC and MBC]," Langston wrote, suggesting that the new convention take on the role of a "social agency or a think-tank."

When asked to explain his comments, Langston told Baptist Press that he was referring to what he called slanderous statements labeling some moderates as individuals who don't believe the Bible.

"It makes my blood boil because of how people have been treated," he said.

Langston said he does not use the idea of inerrancy to describe his interpretation of Scripture.

"I don't like to use that term," Langston told Baptist Press. "I prefer to use the term totally trusting."

While Langston said he believes in the virgin birth and the resurrection, there are some accounts in the Bible that he said should not be taken at face value.

"When you say you want to believe everything in the Bible, you have to ask if we are applying a modern standard of literature to an ancient text," Langston said. "To me, part of a literal interpretation is to take seriously the ancient context."

For example, does Langston believe the account of Jonah and the fish really happened? No, he replied.

"I think there is a possibility that it didn't happen," he said.

"If it could be proven that it never happened, my faith is still strong," Langston noted.

Langston, who was only identified as a Bible professor at a Missouri college, noted that he attended the meeting as an individual, not as a representative of Southwest Baptist University.

"The university is neutral in this and I am only here to represent myself," he said.