is the custom of teaching "Expository preaching " in most all the seminaries, at
least the ones in the US.
What this means is that to illustrate a point, a specific line quote from the
Bible is given, even though it may well be out of context. The more
conservative institutions also teach that the King James version of the Bible is
the only version that is to be considered literally the truth. (Most students
of religion have long seen this error, but many still adhere to this teaching)
They anticipate that the people the single line quote is directed to are mostly
ignorant of its context, thus the error perpetuates.
As Michael related, quoting a line of scripture out of context is a lie waiting
to happen, but the practice of doing just that is widespread and insidious. Not
just among the so-called Christians, but followers of the Koran as well. The
end result is causing factions and splits among each and any of the so-called
"faiths" and depends on the particular thought the individual pastor is
supporting with his out-of-context verse quotation.
It is within this system of theological teaching that gives rise to the axiom;
"You can prove anything with the scriptures." The reasoning I have heard from
a number of pastors that I have personally challenged has usually been along the
lines of "Well, I must deliver the message the congregation wants to hear."
Hearing this I usually turn away and ceremonially stamp my feet and leave the
congregation. Of course I have not changed any pastor's approach to his faith,
but I do reserve the right to refuse to hear it preached.
What really goes against all the study I have done is that most all faiths,
continue to teach that your hereafter is governed by the power of a human in one
form or another, when instead, my own faith tells me that while not deserving
it, I will receive the promise of grace for my own salvation.
These "men" teach some that you must conduct yourself only in a righteous
manner, others teach that you must do "good works" in order to EARN your
salvation, and still others go off on other tangents, mostly in the attempt to
inspire control over you and your actions, or at least create a feeling of
guilt. Being that each human is a rational being in one form or another, many
times an individual's rationalization will be at odds with what the scriptures
are really trying to teach.
Some believe they are so unworthy that even in prayer, they direct their prayers
to an intermediary, while others are taught to pray direct to their deity.
But, bottom line is that this teaching is started at a very young and
impressionable age, both here in the US as well as in other countries, and we
all know that first impressions are usually the lasting ones. Even many who
claim to be non-religious, usually have a basic faith based on what was taught
at an early age.
I would be the first to say that while I do have fairly strong beliefs, I doubt
seriously that I will change anyone's mind, but it is still fun to discuss and
learn the differences between individual lines of thought. I have learned not
to condemn the faith of others, with the only exception that I would oppose them
should their brand of faith cause intentional injury to another.
just another view -
Doug
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