When writing a literature essay about the bible, do you write in past or present tense?

If you are talking about how we interpret the Bible now, then you would use present. You would say, the Bible "is interpreted" today both factually and metaphorically.

If you are talking about when the Bible was written or things that have taken place before the present time, you would use the past tense. You would say, the various books "were written" to provide both an historical context and lessons on acceptible religious practices.

Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. If you look at some typical essays you will find a lot use the "historical present" so it would depend upon your thesis.

When writing a literature essay about the Bible, it is generally recommended to write about events in the Bible in the past tense. This is because the events described in the Bible have already occurred. For example, instead of writing "Jesus heals a blind man," it is preferred to write "Jesus healed a blind man." However, certain passages or themes in the Bible may be described in the present tense if they are considered timeless or if discussing their continuing relevance. Ultimately, it is important to consult the specific guidelines provided by your instructor or the style guide you are using for your essay.

When writing a literature essay about the Bible, the choice between using past or present tense largely depends on the context and your specific analysis. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:

1. Consistency: Whichever tense you decide to use, it is essential to maintain consistency throughout your essay. Shifting between tenses can confuse your reader and disrupt the flow of your argument.

2. Narrative events: If you are discussing specific events from biblical stories as if they were happening in the text, it is appropriate to use the present tense. For example, "In the story of David and Goliath, David confronts the giant with courage and defeats him."

3. Biblical authorship: When referring to the authors of biblical texts or discussing the historical context in which they wrote, it is common to use the past tense. For instance, "Paul, the Apostle, wrote many of the New Testament epistles."

4. Literary analysis: When analyzing the themes, characters, or symbols present in the Bible, you can choose either the past or present tense. The decision depends on whether you want to discuss these elements as fixed in the text (past tense) or as enduring and applicable to readers today (present tense).

Ultimately, the choice between past and present tense depends on your interpretation of the biblical text and the focus of your essay. Consider your arguments, the context of your analysis, and the conventions of literary analysis in making your decision.