Is the Bible "in context" in today's world?

Question

Inspired by yet another answer, one suggestion is to interpret the Bible in context - chapter, timeframe, geographic location, etc., to truly understand it. With that in mind, can we interpret the Bible so that it has "context" in today's world? We can certainly interpret Plato, Socrates, Locke, etc. to have context in today's world, but this requires slight adaptation to consider today's society and technology. Can this be done with the Bible, as it is the inerrant word of God? Can we tweak it to make sense today?

Certainly there are concepts in the Bible that easily transfer, like Jesus' messages of love and compassion. What about the ideas that are not so inclusive?

Would applying the Bible to today be taking it "out of context"?

Answer 1

In Essenes I think that is what most Christian denominations have done. Most of them ignore New Testament teachings about the behavior of women in church, they also ignore teachings in the New Testament concerning speaking in tongues, and other gifts of the spirit. These things are not readily accepted in today's society, so churches have adapted to the times they live in.

The big question is whether the story of salvation still applies, if many of the other teachings do not. Maybe the idea of a messiah made sense to Jews under Roman oppression in the early centuries, but it doesn't make sense now. Maybe we should glean the rules that we deem good for this society and disregard the rest as 'not in context'

That is what Christians do every day with parts of the bible that they find oppressive. Why not look at the whole thing through the same filter?


Sean M, there are far too many ex LDS members who spent hours upon hours reading the book of mormon only to conclude it didn't make sense to verify your challenge.

Answer 2

When one speaks of keeping the Bible "in context" with the historical timeframe, they simply mean that sometimes you have to know the culture of the time when it was written to fully understand what was said. This is also true for parts of Plato, Locke, etc. Until you understand what they are talking about, it is hard to find the application of it for today.

A classic example from the Bible is in the book of Ruth. Boaz wants to marry Ruth so he goes to the gates of the city and ask Ruth's closest relative for his shoe. Without understanding the culture that makes no sense. When you understand that judges normally sat at the gate to hear cases, and the exchanging of shoes was a sign of legal agreement, then you understand the action. Boaz was asking for a marriage license to marry Ruth. The judge granted it.

The action of asking for a shoe may not fit modern culture. But the principle of getting a legal license before marrying someone still applies today. But you needed to understand the action in the context of that culture before you could see the principle to apply today.

Answer 3

It is not. But it does have great knowledge and scripture.

There is a book writtin for this day and age that is modern prophecy that is claimed to be untainted by man.

I testify that there is a book that has a challenge from God in it.

It says he who reads and asks God in the name of Christ if these things be true he will manifest the truth of the book and the church to them.

I promise for those who are seeking truth and cannot understand the full complexity of the bible and know in there heart that if God was God he would not leave us without modern day prophecy or revelation and cares.

I testify that the book of Mormon and the Lds church is true and lead this day by christ.

Answer 4

I think that you are onto something here. The Bible, in order to fit our lives to day, needs to be alter to fit our views of new society and technology. The things that are being discovered now were not know at the time that the Bible was written. To truly apply the word to our lives, we have to alter it to fit them. Things that applied to Peter or Paul won't apply to us.

Answer 5

The Holy Bible very clearly applies to today,one must learn to study ,a mere word has to be interpreted.many read the Bible reprogrammed and do not see.

Answer 6

You just described the manner in which I understand and apply biblical teaching. The way i see it that is the only way to keep it in context and preserve the intended Spirit of the scriptures.

Answer 7

I think the Bible is out of context except for the love and forgive your fellow man.

Answer 8

The Word of God cannot be adapted to suit modern lifestyles and social changes. Rather, it is we who need to return to the Word, exactly as it was given, and change our lives.
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Answer 9

No

Love your God
Love your neighbor