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A simple example which clearly illustrates this point is verse 29 of Matthew 24. The prophecy states that 'the stars shall fall from heaven'. The Scripture provides no clue as to exactly how this could take place literally. Moreover, the text does not indicate whether meteors or literal stars are meant, nor is it stated whether the stars will fall upon the earth. From a scientific point of view, it is not reasonable to accept the possibility of the stars literally falling on the earth. Hence, contrary to the assumptions of the literalists, a literal interpretation confronts the believer with a meaning which becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible, to understand and accept. (25:1) However, if we employ a symbolic approach, this verse (v. 29) can be interpreted to mean that spiritual stars, that is, the leaders of the Church who like stars in the sky guided the believers during the night-time of the religion, will fall from the heaven of spiritual guidance. This view, which we will examine in more detail later, has existed since early Christian times and is also asserted by Baha'u'llah in His writings. We may ask, which interpretation is easier to understand and believe: the literal or the symbolic? (25:2) This type of symbolism is neither difficult to understand nor unfamiliar to normal 'human' language, since it is obvious that people commonly use such metaphors when speaking. As metaphors and symbols are common to human language, it seems ironic that one would preclude the possibility of their existence when interpreting Scripture, especially prophecies. (25:3) The purpose of this commentary is not to enter into an analysis of the methods of interpretation or to resolve such debates. Rather, this issue has been brought up simply to point out that the history of the interpretation of Jesus' Olivet Discourse has shown that from the beginning its interpretation is subject to a variety of complex problems, that its intended meaning is not fully agreed upon by the advocates of any method of interpretation, and that the difficulties Christian commentators and modern scholars have had in ascertaining its meaning preclude any dogmatic determinations. Commenting on the methods of interpretation, Baha'u'llah's son, 'Abdu'l-Baha, states: (25:4) It is difficult to comprehend even the words of a philosopher; how much more difficult it is to understand the Words of God. The divine Words are not to be taken according to their outer sense. They are symbolical and contain realities of spiritual meaning. For instance, in the book of Solomon's songs you will read about the bride and bridegroom. It is evident that the physical bride and bridegroom are not intended. Obviously, these are symbols conveying a hidden and inner significance. In the same way the Revelations of St John are not to be taken literally, but spiritually. These are the mysteries of God. It is not the reading of the words that profits you; it is the understanding of their meanings. Therefore, pray God that you may be enabled to comprehend the mysteries of the divine Testaments. (Promulgation 459)
(25:5)
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