If you haven't already, you should probably read the previous two posts on postmodernism.
So, how does this relate to Christianity? As crazy as it sounds, many Christians unknowingly (or it could be on purpose) incorporate postmodern thinking into their faith. How many times have you been at a Bible study and heard, or said this yourself, "What does this verse mean to you?" How about, "what did the author mean by this verse." I've heard some strange things when people try to interpret scripture without reading the verse in context or thinking of the author's intent. Sometimes the verses can just be slightly off. But, on the other hand, sometimes people can really take scripture out of context and come up with some crazy and dangerous interpretations.
Here are some examples of how Christians can take verses out of context (these aren't all mine--I've heard other people use these):
1. A young Christian man, Mark, is interested in Grace and wants to marry her. So he opens his Bible and randomly reads 2 Corinthians 12:9, "Grace is all you need." So, he thinks the God is speaking to him through that verse telling him to marry Grace. This is an example where the results may not be all that harmful. Grace could be a very nice, Christian young lady. Ok, what if Grace is not a Christian? The Bible makes it very clear that believers are not to marry unbelievers.
2. A Christian woman is in an adulterous relationship and is trying to reconcile that with her beliefs. She randomly picked a Bible verse and reads Colossians 3:10 which says, "put on the new man." She thinks that the Bible is affirming her adulterous relationship. This is an example where the results are extremely harmful. The Bible is very clear that adultery is sinful.
3. Another common one is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Most people incorrectly think this means we can do anything. Trust me, no matter how hard you pray you can't just go outside and fly because "Christ is strengthening you." The verse is actually talking about persecution. It is really saying that I can endure all hardships with the help and strength of Christ.
4. Here is the worst example I have seen yet. I'm writing a pro-life paper, so I've been researching both the pro-life and the pro-choice (Really? They don't really seem to want there to be a choice . . . ) sides of the argument. One article I found struck me as very interesting because the title was something like "Why the Bible is pro-abortion and anti-children." When I read the article, however, my suspicions were confirmed. The article had at least 20 verses taken out of context to show how the Bible is really anti-children. One verse was Exodus 1:22 "Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile river." If you read the rest of that passage, it's extremely clear that the speaker is the pharaoh and that particular pharaoh is . . . well, evil. There were many more verses just like this one, and all were taken out of context. This example is particularly harmful. The Bible is clear that murder is wrong.
How can a Christian avoid doing this? Don't ever try to interpret a Bible verse without first knowing who wrote it, who it was written to, and what the context is. This may sound weird, but never read a Bible verse. You should at least read the verse before and after as well. If you just read verses randomly, you'll come up with all sorts of crazy things. Remember what matters is what the author wrote, not what you want to read.
Trust in the Lord and never surrender!
here's some "food" for thought--what happens when this concept is applied to Acts 10 and 11?
ReplyDeleteWhich concept? Did you mean reading the Acts 10 & 11 out of context and seeing what strange interpretations could come out of it, or reading it in context? Just clarifying :)
ReplyDeleteHey, Rebecca!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blog world :) How have you been?How's your horse's companion(goat)? What did you end up naming him?
If you want to just email me go to my profile. http://www.blogger.com/profile/10345054317037710037
Hey, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteI just sent you an email. And, I named the goat Nova :)
reading it in context :)
ReplyDeleteOk, Barbara, I am FINALLY responding to your question. So, Peter's vision just means that we are no longer under the OT law that forbids the eating of certain animals. Of course, since some Jews still believe they are under OT law, Kosher food is sold in stores.
ReplyDeleteyou could look at it that way, but peter does explain the meaning twice in reference to accepting the gentiles who were always viewed as unclean. From Peter's messianic Jewish perspective, the animals would merely be an analogy to back up the main point.
ReplyDeletePeter was going to evangelize to the Gentiles. So not only would he have to be with the Gentiles, but he would also have to eat with them (and eat their "unclean" food). God said to Peter, "Kill and eat." God certainly wasn't telling Peter to kill and eat the Gentiles! He was giving him permission to eat meat that was previously considered unclean.
ReplyDeleteNow, of course, the Bible does sometimes use illustrations and analogies. But, I don't think that's the case here.