The Problems with Proof-texting - Deeper Christian
But in your Bible study, it is imperative that you avoid proof-texting like the plague. I once had a seminary professor who said: “A text without a context is a pretext for a prooftext.” In other words, if you take a passage and lift it out from its context and try to understand it, you are setting yourself up for proof-texting.
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The Pitfalls of Proof-Texting: The Dangers of Selective Scripture Use
These examples demonstrate how proof-texting involves isolating specific verses and using them to support a particular viewpoint, often disregarding their original context and the broader teachings of Scripture. It is important to consider the Bible's intent, context, and overall teachings to avoid misinterpretation and ensure a more accurate ...
The Perils of Proof-Texting and How to Avoid Them - STR
Is it possible one or more of the proof-texts have more than one reasonable meaning? If so, then choosing one of the alternate meanings could remove the apparent contradiction. If one verse seems completely inflexible (univocal, or unequivocal), then adapt the more flexible verse (the equivocal one) to bring harmony. Let me give you an example.
The Problem with Proof-Texting the Bible - by Wes McAdams
The conversation also touches on the need for humility when interpreting and teaching the Bible. Examples like Philippians 4:13, Jeremiah 29:11, and Hebrews 10:25 highlight how verses are often misused. The episode encourages readers to move beyond shallow interpretations and engage deeply with the broader biblical narrative.
Are you using that proof text well…or are you proof-texting? - CCEF
More significantly, you will encounter countless subtler examples of proof-texting in the negative sense—whenever Scripture is misinterpreted or misused. For example, Genesis 1–2 describes God’s foundational call to fruitful, meaningful work and to fruitful oneness in marriage. It presumes that human beings are active agents.
The Other Side Of “Proof-Texting” | Robert C. Crosby
The oft-cited old adage concerning “proof-texting” is: “A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text.” Allen and Swain cite “three primary charges” leveled by the critics of ...
What Is Proof Texting? - Bible Study
Proof texting can easily lead to wrong conclusions regarding what is the truth of God. An argument or doctrinal stand that relies heavily on proof passages is ultimately considered weak. In fact, those who preach and teach others based on such special passages in Scripture are generally viewed negatively by true Biblical scholars and those who ...
The Problem With Proof-Texting - Credo House Ministries
The problem with accusing someone of “proof-texting” is that you have to assume that the individual using a certain text has never studied out the context in which the verse(s) appears. My point is that two people can quote the same passage: One can be proof texting and the other can be stating quite clearly the main punch line of a larger ...
What is Proof-Texting? (with picture) - Language Humanities
For example, if a book began with the line “Joe shot himself,” and ended with the line “and they all lived happily ever after,” a proof-texter might imply that everyone lived happily because Joe shot himself, which is by no means a necessary logical conclusion. The bad reputation of proof-texting lies in its ignorance of context.
On Proof-Texting - Reformed Journal
I have always understood the trouble with proof-texting as, using Scripture to prove MY point, more than it is Scripture’s point. “Spare the rod, spoil the child” as a way to justify corporal punishment (use of physical force to discipline) as an example. Proof-texting becomes zingers when the focus is on me way more than on Scripture.
Why Proof Texting Makes For Bad Theology - Kainos Project
If we're proof texting verses where the author's intent doesn't actually support our point, then we're missing the point. Share on X Not Every Decision or Statement Needs a Proof Text. Most of the time when we end up proof texting a verse or passage apart from its context or authorial intent, it isn’t because we’re trying to do anything ...
The Problem of Bible Proof-texting - Seedbed
That’s why paying attention to context is so important—it helps safeguard against proof-texting, which is the practice of bringing your ideas to the biblical text and forcing the text to prove your own presuppositions. In this series of Seven Minute Seminary videos, Dr. Craig Keener walks us through a number of biblical passages that are ...
In Defense of Proof-Texting - The Gospel Coalition
In the latest issue of of JETS—the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 54.3 (September 2011) 589-606—Michael Allen (of Knox Theological Seminary) and Scott Swain (of Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando) offer a helpful defense of (good) proof-texting. Here is their opening: Proof-texting has been maligned as of late, charged in the court of theological inquiry. Many biblical ...
How People Take Bible Texts Out Of Context - What Christians Want To Know
Christian “Prove Texting” When someone tries to use a verse to proof text you about something, then try to take them into the context of the whole chapter, and in some cases, the whole book. Anyone can rip a verse out of context. What about using these verses; “What you do, do quickly,” “Judas hanged himself,” and “Go and do ...
What is Proof Texting? - Len Joson
Examples of Proof Texts. One good example of proof texting is that of people quoting John 6:44 to explain that only a few will be saved and that God is setting limits to salvation. This verse is quoted to support a view that God has already decided who will be saved and it’s not everybody. For an explanation on this topic, please visit this link.
The Art and Practice of Biblical Proof-Texting – Adventist Today
The proof text method of biblical interpretation has a long and varied history that reaches back to biblical times and before. One well-known key text that was applied by first Christians to Jesus’ life is Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt have I called my son” (Matthew 2:15).
Proof texting - Theopedia
Proof texting. Proof texting is the method by which a person appeals to a biblical text to prove or justify a theological position without regard for the context of the passage they are citing. At its worst, for example, "theologian A claims to have a more 'biblical' theology than theologian B, based upon counting up verse in parentheses (on a random page from each work) and claiming to have ...
What About Proof Texting? - BIBLE CROSSFIRE
Jesus constantly "proof texted." You probably remember Jesus using three separate proof texts to reply to the devil’s three temptations of Him in Matt 4:1-11.Also consider the example of when the Sadducees argued "that there is no resurrection" (after life) in Matt 22:23ff.
In Defense Of Proof-Texting | Brandon D. Smith - Patheos
In a chapter called “In Defense of Proof Texting,” Swain and Allen consider how to employ proof-texting in a way that is biblically faithful, and how biblical scholars can be more optimistic ...