The Beauty of the Bible as Symbolism: A Journey from Literal Interpretation to Neville Goddard’s Framework

The Bible, a book that has guided and inspired millions for centuries, is often misinterpreted when taken literally. This literal reading confines its power and depth to the pages, missing its profound truths that transcend time and space. When read as a series of symbolic stories, however, the Bible reveals its deeper meanings and unlocks the potential for transformation in the life of anyone who dares to truly understand it. Using Neville Goddard’s framework, which emphasizes the power of imagination as the creative force behind all manifestation, we can shift our understanding from the literal to the symbolic, allowing us to grasp the Bible’s deeper truths. It's important to note that Neville unlocked the symbolism of the Bible by referencing the Bible itself. His framework is not something fitted upon the Bible, it is a revelation of the Bible.

The Literal Interpretation: A Box That Limits

A literal reading of the Bible can lead to some troubling conclusions. Take, for example, the story of Noah and the flood. The tale of God's wrath and the destruction of nearly all life on Earth, when read literally, presents a picture of a vengeful deity bent on wiping out humanity. It becomes an illustration of divine punishment rather than an awakening to the potential of the human imagination.

Consider the passage from Genesis 6:5-7 (KJV):

"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth..."

The literal reading of this can lead to fear and misunderstanding about God's nature. However, when viewed symbolically through Neville's teachings, this narrative becomes a profound lesson about the destructive nature of the uncontrolled mind, or the "flood" of negative thoughts. The flood is not an event in history but a symbol of the overwhelming tide of the subconscious mind, shaped by limiting beliefs and false self-images.

Neville's Framework: The Power of Imagination

Neville Goddard reinterprets the Bible through the lens of imagination as the key to creation. In his teachings, the characters, events, and stories of the Bible represent states of consciousness and phases in spiritual awakening, rather than historical accounts or external forces. By shifting our focus from the literal to the symbolic, we can uncover the timeless truths that lie beneath the surface.

For instance, the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:3-12 illustrates the conflict between the outer man (Cain) and the inner man (Abel), representing the conscious mind versus the imagination:

"Cain said to Abel, 'Let's go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him."

Cain’s act of killing Abel is a symbolic representation of how the outer, logical mind often suppresses the creative imagination. Abel represents the purity of imagination, the potential within each person to create their reality. Cain, on the other hand, is the doubting, fear-based conscious mind that rejects or stifles the creative power of the imagination. When read literally, this story appears to be about sibling rivalry and violence. But when interpreted symbolically, it reveals how our inner battle between the conscious mind and imagination determines the course of our lives.

The Struggle for Awakening: The Exodus and Spiritual Transformation

One of the most powerful examples of symbolic transformation in the Bible is the Exodus, the story of the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt. On a literal level, the Exodus is a historical event, but in Neville Goddard's view, it represents the journey of the individual from bondage to freedom—freedom from limiting beliefs, past trauma, and the false self. The Pharaoh, who represents the false sense of self and ego, stands in the way of spiritual awakening.

In Exodus 14:21-22, we read about the parting of the Red Sea:

"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left."

When interpreted symbolically, the Red Sea represents the subconscious mind. The "parting" of the sea symbolizes the breakthrough moment where the individual overcomes the mental blocks (the waters) that separate them from their true self. Moses represents the imagination—the power within to part the waters of the mind and free oneself from the constraints of old beliefs and limitations.

The Crucifixion: The Ultimate Act of Imagination

The crucifixion, often regarded as the literal death of Jesus, is perhaps one of the most profound symbols in the Bible. Neville Goddard explains that the crucifixion is not about a physical event but about the fixing of an idea in the mind. The "nailing" to the cross represents the act of focusing on a single, powerful thought—one’s assumption or belief—which determines the reality that will manifest.

In Mark 15:24, we read:

"And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take."

The crucifixion represents the moment when a thought or idea becomes fixed in the imagination. The garment of Jesus symbolizes the outer world that reflects what has been firmly held in the mind. The act of casting lots shows the randomness or lack of control the individual has over their external world until they learn to dominate it through the imagination.

From Horror to Beauty: Embracing Symbolism

When the Bible is read literally, it can be filled with horror, confusion, and a sense of helplessness. But when viewed through Neville Goddard’s framework, the Bible becomes a guide to spiritual awakening and self-transformation. The horror of literal interpretation fades, replaced by the beauty of the symbolism—each story a powerful allegory for overcoming the limitations of the mind and embracing the creative potential of the imagination.

Take the story of David and Goliath. A literal reading might frame David as a young shepherd defeating a giant with a sling and stone, but through Neville's perspective, David represents the power of the imagination overcoming the "giant" of doubt and fear. In 1 Samuel 17:45-47, David declares:

"Thou comest to me with a sword and with a spear and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied."

David’s victory over Goliath becomes a triumph of inner faith and imagination over external adversity.

Conclusion: A Path to Self-Realisation

The Bible, when read symbolically, offers us a profound map for self-realisation. Each passage, character, and event reflects a state of consciousness that can be navigated in our own lives. Through Neville Goddard’s teachings, we come to understand that the Bible is not a historical document, but a spiritual one—a guide to the inner workings of the mind and the power of imagination to shape our reality.

When we let go of the literal interpretation and embrace the symbolic, the Bible transforms from a book of rules, punishments, and confusion into a beautiful, timeless guide to the awakening of our true selves. Each story becomes a reflection of our own spiritual journey, filled with lessons on how to overcome our inner limitations and manifest the life we desire.