I had a couple different ideas to post today, but the others required more work, so I am just going to share a pet peeve of mine that I experienced recently. I was reading something, and I found the author of this material trying to show that the 'secular' thing they were talking about was supported biblically. I will not use names to protect the guilty.
An example... no, I won't use that one... hmm...
Ok, let's say that there was someone that was trying to tell me that Michael Jordan was not a good defensive player. And they bring out the Bible to show that they "passed over Jordan." That would be an extreme example of what I am talking about. They want to make some kind of extrabiblical statement, and re-inforce their position by using some wording in the Bible.
Or, maybe they want to show that whatever principle they believe, whether good or bad, is found in the Bible and therefore we should follow their example.
Alight, I'll stop now to avoid getting in trouble, but let's just let the Bible say what it says, and there is room to say good things that aren't in the Bible (brush your teeth!), but let's not pretend that these things are biblical.
Just a thought...
9 comments:
Wouldn't the verse in the Bible talking about taking care of your temple include brushing your teeth. :) Just a thought. . . Oops I forgot you like copyrighted that phrase or something, right?
Actually the copyright extends to you to, so you can say that :)
Actually when referring to the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, the context is "flee fornication." To take care of the temple in the Bible is not a physical thing but a spiritual thing. So, no, brushing your teeth doesn't fall under that.
Now, you could say that we are to be good stewards of what we have, and we only have one set of teeth... well, two... well, and some people three, but they're not real... oh, never mind.
In the circles I run in, this is a common occurance. The problem for me is when something like that is taught as doctrine. It is speculation...and sometimes with some good solid Biblical principles, other times with little but one's imagination. What I like to do is weigh something like that in light of the entire Bible. I'm not much for feelings, but the Spirit within my spirit guides me. When the teaching lines up, my spirit calls out, "Amen!" and when it doesn't line up, I just shake my head, "no."
Here's something to ponder...give me an answer if you can. You know my take on the Bible, and one of the portions of Scripture a KJV guy will hit is Psalm 12:6-7. Now I am one of those KJV guys through and through...but in context of the entire Psalm, it looks as though God is preserving a generation, not his words. But within English structure, an argument can be made that the preservation is of the "words", not the "generation". I believe these verses have a duel meaning. What is your take on that?
I'm ok with a verse directly referring to two different things - a 'dual-meaning' if you please.
Specifically, with Psalm 12:7, I lean toward the reference being to the generation or to the people, because of the gender of the pronoun "them" in other languages. (I know Spanish is that way, I dont' know Hebrew.) And if it is truly speaking of the words, that is reinforced elsewhere in Scripture, so I don't have a problem with it...
Andy, I would think for the sake of supporting Sarah in getting your children to have good dental hygiene and saying the Bible supports it in any way she can is something you should give her... Let the kids debate the doctrine with you later when they are no longer on your dental insurance!!
My take would be... Stop running in circles and move forward.
Now, Jan, I know you're joking, but seriously, my post applies to things we teach our kids. What happens when kids get older and they realize, "Oh, wait, the Bible doesn't say we have to brush our teeth?" I would prefer to be upfront and tell them they have to do it because it's what we are going to do. The Bible does say to obey :)
So, either they brush their teeth because Ma said so, or Pa comes in and knocks 'em out! Just kidding. I wouldn't really hit them... THAT hard.
Andy, I'm with you in regards to the teeth thing. I don't know too much of the history behind your argument...but I agree, ALWAYS be honest with the children and do not manipulate the Scripture with them or anyone else. When they learn that you have abused the Scriptures that way, they will 1. lose some trust in their parents 2. treat the Scriptures in the same way. A good fanny whoopin' never hurt anyone...so to speak.
After learning in college about your topic today, I've been listening carefully to pastors and teachers. It's really surprising how often verses are taken out of context. Whether the topic is a wholesome one or not... it's wrong to do this. Sadly, many follow people rather than Biblical truth.
Good topic Hindsey.
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