Serious Christians must employ critical thinking
I find myself frustrated by Bonnie Skaggs’ Friday, Nov. 27 letter concerning critical thinking and the Bible, especially her implication that God endorses modern war and condemns homosexuals, and the assertion that the Bible does not need defending. As someone who devotes his life to apologetics, I take the task of defending God’s Word seriously. Additionally, and unfortunately for us all, the Bible does not speak unequivocally on many matters. This is why critical thinking is absolutely necessary.
The church has changed its position regarding women; most Christians now accept equality between men and women, despite some biblical passages that would prevent Bonnie from even speaking in a congregation (such as 1 Corinthians 14:33-37; 1 Timothy 2:8-15). The church has changed its position on slavery; most Christians now fight hard against all forms of slavery, though biblical passages assume its existence (Ephesians 6:5). The church has also changed its position on interracial marriage, the social consequences of which were severe well into the 20th century.
In each of these cases, the solid biblical precedent for such reformation was finally realized. Some of these issues may have been what Jesus had in mind when he told his disciples: “I have much more to teach you, more than you can now bear. But [the Holy Spirit] will guide you into all truth” (John 16:12-13).
Homosexuality may be next. An understanding is growing that the Greek words sometimes translated as “homosexual” (1 Corinthians 6:9) most probably refer not to what we mean by the term, but to the practice of pederasty, or older men taking sexual advantage of young boys. A quick glance over several translations intimates this lack of hermeneutical certainty. There is also great precedent for relationships based on love, not mere reproductive potential, as well as the inclusion of people with a variety of constitutional differences, symbolized by the acceptance of the Greeks into the kingdom of God. The first chapter of Romans clearly condemns pagan ritual worship and its consequences, not loving relationships.
While the Bible may be right about matters, our interpretations of the Word are often highly flawed — and this is why we must think critically, lest we judge wrongly. We must remember that we are called to love, that judgment and wrath are the Lord’s alone, and that we will be measured with the same stringency we impose on others.
Originally published in The Holland Sentinel.