Proof-texting problems — part 4

I have some 1,500 “friends” on Facebook, which isn’t a lot, so don’t think I’m bragging. I’m not even close to celebrity status, nor is that my desire. I find myself increasingly content to work unseen in our quiet community. But like most people, I don’t actually know about half of my “Facebook friends.”

Yet every so often, I will meet one of them in person, and they will often say something like, “I appreciate what you post online, and the stand you take for Christianity and the Bible.” And my normal half-silly, half-serious response is: “Yeah well, I am trying to fix the world one Facebook post at a time!”

Though I say that playfully, I am quite serious. I genuinely hope my posts have a spiritual impact and point readers to eternal truths.

I think the same could be said about the recent series I wrote about proof-texting. I may not be able to fix the world one Houston Home Journal article at a time, but I am hoping to make a difference.

I want to impress upon you the serious consequences of misusing and misapplying the Bible. Ripping passages out of context and building doctrinal beliefs on them is far from harmless. My goal is to help you understand the proper way to read, study, and interpret the Bible, and to avoid mishandling the sacred Scriptures.

Previously, we noted the wrong interpretation invariably leads to the wrong application. Then I pointed out that proof-texting always produces bad beliefs and bad behavior. When the Bible is reduced to isolated one-liners, rather than Divinely-inspired units of thought, erroneous ideas emerge and lead people away from the truth.

The third problem we listed with proof-texting is that it endorses the wrong way to handle Scripture. When the preacher in the pulpit regularly pulls passages out of context and distorts their God-given meaning, he is teaching his hearers (by bad example) the wrong way to interpret Scripture. Sadly, the people in the pew will soon follow that poor pattern, and church disunity and theological irregularity are certain to follow.

Yet another problem is that proof-texting can lead to ill-informed personal preferences. Let me explain what I mean by that. While the Bible is quite clear about many things, it doesn’t explicitly address some issues.

In most cases, there are Biblical principles and precepts that will guide Christians in their decision-making, but not always. In those places where the Bible is silent, too readily do well-meaning, but ill-informed believers come up with their own ideas and try to insist the Bible agrees with them.

Allow me to illustrate what I mean: some Christians think it’s wrong to consume alcohol, any time for any reason. Others insist that parents should homeschool their kids rather than send them to public school. Some believers argue against Christians watching TV or going to the movies. Some Christians say it’s wrong to ever use tobacco.

I know godly people who adamantly assert that we should use only one translation of the Bible. Which, in case you didn’t know, is the “Authorized 1611 King James Version!” Other followers of Christ say we shouldn’t observe certain holidays that may have a pagan past.

The list of personal preferences like this goes on and on, and changes as time and cultures change. Which is why it would be impossible for the Bible to ever address all these issues.

While there is absolutely wisdom to be found in Holy Writ about how Christians should think about these matters, including how our behavior will affect our testimonies and other believers, the Bible doesn’t teach what some people insist it does about these (and other) issues.

The Bible doesn’t say it’s wrong to watch wholesome TV shows or movies. The Bible never states that homeschooling is the only God-honoring option for parents. No inspired writer ever stated it is wrong to ever enjoy tobacco or alcohol. Yes, there is a strong warning against drunkenness and being under the control of any influence, but there are people who can have those things, and those things do not have them.

And much to the chagrin of my King James-only friends, the Holy Spirit never inspired anyone to pen this command: “Thou shalt useth the King James Only.”

But here is the problem … people still insist their personal preferences about these matters are rooted in the Scriptures. Believe me, I have heard every argument and even made some of them myself in the past. However, I was wrong. Folks, I have read the Bible cover to cover numerous times and none of the aforementioned issues are actually commanded or condemned like some insist.

Yet that doesn’t stop men from asserting, and that quite strongly, that everyone abides by their extra-Biblical opinions. Make no mistake, when you discuss these matters, people will hurriedly pull out their pet passages and declare their preferences match God’s preferences.

And how do they arrive at such a unique position? By proof-texting! By pulling passages out of context and applying them in a way that the original author, nor God, ever intended. Far too often, poorly taught Christians find some random Bible verse that supposedly supports their personal preference on some issue and then dig in their heels, seeking to force others to abide by their own ill-informed opinions.

Not everyone reading this will understand these next few statements, but some of you will: Deuteronomy 6:5-9 does not mean it’s wrong to send your kids to public (or private) school. Jeremiah chapter 10 has nothing to do with a Christmas tree. Psalm 12:6-7 isn’t promoting King James-onlyism. (And I’m embarrassed I ever believed that!)

Christian, don’t just quote the first half of Proverbs 20:1 to argue against consuming alcohol. Drunkenness is a sin, not drinking a little wine. Otherwise, Jesus was an egregious sinner because He not only turned water into really good wine, but He was also accused of being a drunk, because He enjoyed wine in moderation.

For sure, most of us watch things on TV we shouldn’t be watching, and the Bible teaches us not to set any wicked thing before our eyes (Psalm 101:3). But that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to ever watch anything on TV or go to a theatre.

The Bible doesn’t condemn playing cards, dancing, etc. But sadly, that doesn’t stop people from applying meaning to passages God never meant, and from making a test of orthodoxy of stuff that isn’t even in the Bible.

Proof-texting leads to ill-informed preferences that divide Christians. If you have personal standards, live by them—but don’t misapply Scripture to demand others agree. The core problem is misusing God’s word to justify personal opinions.

Well … once this gets printed and posted … I might lose some of those 1500 Facebook friends! Oh well. My aim is to help and speak the truth. Even if folks don’t wanna hear it. Yeah, I know I can’t fix the world, but maybe this article will make a difference? For your good and God’s glory. And that’s my desire.