2006-08-20 06:02:45 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Context refers to what is around something. Taking scripture out of context means we take the words, but not the meaning. For example:
Mat 27:5 "And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself."
Luk 10:37 "...Then said Jesus ... , Go, and do thou likewise."
By taking verses out of their context, I just taught that Jesus wants us to commit suicide. However, if you look at the chapters that these verses are found in, you will find that the two verses have nothing in common. They do not relate to each other. The first verse is telling us that Judas hanged himself when he realized what he had done. The second verse is actually teaching that we should help those we come into contact with. Did you see that I didn't even quote the entire verse?
2006-08-20 07:11:43 · answer #1 · answered by Terry K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible contains the words, "Curse God and die" (Job 2:9). The Word of God accurately records those words. That doesn't mean that we are commanded to do such; that's why things need to be kept in context.
As far as "that's your interpretation," that's a different matter. We can understand it alike (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 3:4). The Bible says what is says, and doesn't need interpreting, just reading.
2006-08-20 06:10:53 · answer #2 · answered by flyersbiblepreacher 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
oh so you agree that "the Bible is the indisputable word of God" - great!
just that easily. God gave us free will, including the ability to take His words out of context. God doesn't have some spiritual Read-Only function on the Bible; it is up to humans to read it and try to understand that which is contained therein.
2006-08-20 06:10:11 · answer #3 · answered by JoeSchmoe06 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The same way a scientist performs some sort of study to report the truth about his findings, then a politician gets the report and uses it to gain clout or funds to be spent on fixing a perceived problem that doesn't exist like global warming. Oh but wait, now the scientists get more grants to find ways to reduce global warming, so he agrees with the interpretation of the politician citing of his study.
Or,
supposing you tell your kids they can have cookies and milk after they clean their rooms. He heads out to mow the lawn when Mom comes home from her run. The kids tell her how daddy promised them cookies and milk. When dad comes in from mowing the lawn to check on their progress with cleaning their rooms, they're not done but there the kids are sitting at the table eating cookies and milk.
Well he did say they could have cookies and milk didn't He? Yes but he was taken out of context. When the clarification is made, the kids may have gotten their cookies and milk, but now they'll be spending lots more time doing chores for their cookies and milk than just cleaning their rooms.
similarly, when we read in the Bible that God forgives everybody of their sin, they're missing the rest of the story. God offers forgiveness to everybody, but He requires that you submit your life to Him, that you repent of making selfish choices and start making socially responsible choices.
2006-08-20 06:21:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That doctrine of "indisputable word of God" is so fully ingrained in Christians minds, put there by their teachers (pastors).....If they would just step back and examine the situation, maybe they could see that they are, in reality, worshiping the Bible rather than God.
2006-08-20 08:23:55 · answer #5 · answered by Denise W 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course, it is nothing of the sort; there are scores of internal contradictios as well as hundreds of errors of fact. For a delightful romp through the former, get a copy of the reference (available from Amazon for about $14). But I am being too hard on it -- it is easy enough to take something out of context (even in a textbook) and thus get an incorrect interpretation.
2006-08-20 06:12:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not even every Reverend, Pastor or Priest draws the same conclusions on what is written in the bible so I would not call it indisputable. It was written by men and therefore subject to all the human failings each of us carry with us.
2006-08-20 06:20:35 · answer #7 · answered by genaddt 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Actually that is why there are so many different churches.. The Bible has been interpeted by many and many people have different opinions on what this verse or that verse means. That is why there as been a seperation and new branches started because they could not agree on what the interpetion of the Bible says.
2006-08-20 06:12:28 · answer #8 · answered by oldone 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Human mind is capable of anything. It can use nuclear power for betterment of mankind or for its utter destruction. Best treatise can be interpreted in the most pervert manner by a twisted mind.This does not change bible in any way and it remains pristine for true Christians.
2006-08-20 06:24:50 · answer #9 · answered by openpsychy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ultimately, it is man's fault... Humans often twist God's word around to have it say things that weren't meant in the original context.
2006-08-20 06:24:33 · answer #10 · answered by angel_of_love21190 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋