Thank you for your response. Before I comment on actual differences of content, there is certainly a difference in how we read Scripture.
You made a point that people read Scripture in light of presupposition. You gave Mormonism as an example, which is true. Many other people, mostly non-Christians, do the same. Just because people do it does not mean people should do it—certainly not Christians. The basic presupposition of the Christian should be that the Scriptures are inspired and should be read in context. The Christian should believe that they mean what they say. I may not understand what they say, but I may not make it say something else so that it is understandable to me.
Second, you seem to practice a reasoning that goes something like this: Scripture “A” says this. Scripture “B” says this. Then you draw a conclusion “C” that is outside the text. The conclusion, if you reason at all, must be in the text, too.
This is true of all systematic theology. It is a wrong way to study Scripture. The question is not which theology is right. This form of study ensures many answers. They are all just different wrong answers. You rightly say that the unity is the gospel.
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace…” (Eph. 4:2-3).
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Cor. 1:10).
“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere human beings?” (1 Cor. 3:1-4).
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Phil. 4:2-3).
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification…So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” (Rom. 14:19, 22).
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil” (Rom. 16:17-19).
You made a point that people read Scripture in light of presupposition. You gave Mormonism as an example, which is true. Many other people, mostly non-Christians, do the same. Just because people do it does not mean people should do it—certainly not Christians. The basic presupposition of the Christian should be that the Scriptures are inspired and should be read in context. The Christian should believe that they mean what they say. I may not understand what they say, but I may not make it say something else so that it is understandable to me.
Second, you seem to practice a reasoning that goes something like this: Scripture “A” says this. Scripture “B” says this. Then you draw a conclusion “C” that is outside the text. The conclusion, if you reason at all, must be in the text, too.
This is true of all systematic theology. It is a wrong way to study Scripture. The question is not which theology is right. This form of study ensures many answers. They are all just different wrong answers. You rightly say that the unity is the gospel.
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace…” (Eph. 4:2-3).
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Cor. 1:10).
“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not mere human beings?” (1 Cor. 3:1-4).
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Phil. 4:2-3).
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification…So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” (Rom. 14:19, 22).
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil” (Rom. 16:17-19).
Comments