How long after James was martyred do you think it took the party of the Pharisees to add a P.S. And who thinks humans do our even should see things all from the same perspective? Love, L's. And they are no less likely to do so than is the "eastern mind", which has its own issues to deal with. Righteousness is defined in Proverbs as the opposite of sin. Next time we’ll talk more about the importance of, and methods for, getting scripture into your self. I would encourage everyone to read this post. It begins with "for" or "because", so it is the principle behind the teaching.In other words, since Jesus is among us no matter how small the gathering, it doesn't take a crowd (or officials) to deal with sin. And I really was responding to what L's said, not trying to critique your whole article here in Wade's blog. Can you see how reading the Bible in this way can keep us from misinterpreting scripture? Historically, the most frequent result of the abuse of Scripture this way is to make the text to be about “me” or “us” rather than about Christ … I learned this principle years ago and it has been particularly valuable in properly interpreting the meaning and intent of Scripture verses. The Holy Spirit, not circumcision, became evidence of salvation, and even more so, the Spirit-led life is salvation. Paula,Scholarship is not about saying certain interpretive strategies are superior to others. And the answer comes from the rest of the book. We all have a contribution to make. Or is 'context' also to include knowledge of the archeology, the laws and customs, the society structures, geography (of that time), languages, outside influences (such as Greek philosophy), on and on ad infinitum? Most of the bad pretexts about the Bible come from reading a verse out of context of the surrounding passages. The Spirit will not let meaning then depart from a Christ-like context and the reader receives a blessing.So then, a doctrine which comes from reading in the Light of Christ can never be used to cause harm to others, or to attempt to render the Body of Christ, or to be used to flaunt one's righteousness before the world in excluding others from His Care.The reason: because Christ was not like that and teachings that flow from a Christ-like interpretation will not contradict the Ways of the Lord. You said before that you didn't think that any current impasses could be worked through by looking more for paradoxes. Our chapter (21) is full of one or two line wisdom sayings. But foolish people hate wisdom and training.). It is sewed like a seed. Hi PAULA,There is this to think about:" But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Only in part. The dictum “a text without a context is a pretext” may have theological origins but it has a bearing on journalism. Paula,You said, “…we look for any clues we can find…”, but now you said, “You seem to be waging a personal war against James, and I am not interested in joining.”Let me ask you, ‘how many clues can you find if your head is buried in the sand?’ I’m not waging war, but looking for truth.Do you have the same attitude of the second Bishop of Antioch, Ignatius? The impression I got from reading your article was that you greatly preferred the eastern mind. The dictionary wouldn’t tell you wich. This difference in emphasis is reflected even in the liturgies of the Catholic Eastern Rites which are in communion with Rome. Many people who dabble in scripture studies will grab a Bible Dictionary and a Concordance and go to work. Let me illustrate with two short stories from the internet. I begin with the revealed Word, since it came from God and is no less authoritative or spiritual on that account. Paula,Please forgive my ignorance, but in what way would a supposed "preference for the eastern mind" inhibit my ability to appreciate or engage solid Christian scholarship? Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. So sharing is good, like Chris said, we each of us have a piece of the puzzle. He was a scoffer and missed three years of being taught by the greatest teacher of all time. Did you read my second comment and reply within two minuets, or did you make your comment without seeing my last comment?First of all, would you agree the devil loves confusion?I believe “the preceding discussion” was the council’s conclusion, but James’ judgment created confusion.The whole debate of the Counsel from start to finish was how Gentiles were saved. And new believers. Back in Paul’s day it was “You must be circumcised” and today some say “You must be baptized.”And to be good enough to be accepted by the SBC. Your email address will not be published. Can the 'simple' among us partake of Holy Scripture with a humble heart, in the light of the Spirit, and receive what they need?Whereas the scholars of our world 'fight like cats and dogs' over meaning?By "scholars" I hope you mean man-made philosophy. I agree that Paul is giving an energized, emotional defense of his ministry. But I will say this: focus on what is shared among Christians, not on the 'differences' or 'different emphases'.It is said that Christian unity is not something we can create; instead, it is something to be 'discovered'.Perhaps you are looking for the time when Christians wandered from one another. Amen, Tim. Quoting out of context (sometimes referred to as contextomy or quote mining) is an informal fallacy in which a passage is removed from its surrounding matter in such a way as to distort its intended meaning. The theme of the book is in verse 7 (If you really want to gain knowledge, you must begin by having respect for the Lord. Good Morning PAULA and CHRIS,It's me, L'sThat reference to 'eastern' and 'western' traditions was NOT a dichotomy, just a matter of 'emphasis'. The ignoramus who said this should be ignored!When you get to know Paul, as much as is possible from the writings, you begin to see a much different picture than what is often more like a specimen on a table in a science lab.See? Maurilio embedded a very thought-provoking video presentation by Clay Shirky, an expert on social impacts of Internet technologies and author of "Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations". But can you give an example of something I've argued that is missing this narrative perspective? Those who are labeled as having a "western mind" are quite capable of studying, understanding, and considering other viewpoints. No verse is more abused by pastors than this one. As posted on CYFSWATCH NZ A text without a context is a pretext. You might say it is the Judaic counterpoint of Christian mysticism, which is out of reach for many who cannot understand it.Love, L's. Here the mind is the culprit. Required fields are marked *. the Gospels) is far more in keeping with the Eastern than the Western. 14 and elsewhere. A clue to what these preachers were teaching is Paul saying: “We do not tell them that they must obey every law of God or die; but we tell them there is life for them from the Holy Spirit. It’s better to read it and understand what is being communicated. Each verse lies inside a chapter. This is what Labour and the Greens… Love, L's, This principle is as true in Bible interpretation as it is in the study of history. The benefits of righteousness and loyalty are life, righteousness and honor. Hi REX RAY,I will not give you any specifics. Hey! Shooting at West Freeway Church of Christ, Dec. 29, 2019 That's the question I read on Twitter yesterday. Pretexts have been used to conceal the true purpose or rationale behind actions and words. When the whole of the Abrahamic experience is brought into the picture, the passages begin to make more sense (at least they do to me). It is there that you will find some of the answers that you seek. When you explore the 'context', it is a good idea to establish the boundaries of that context to be explored, so as to know what has and has not influenced interpretation of the verse. I've studied "Christian mysticism", and read the writings of those who were deep into that. I did already read it and I did respond. I'm not there yet, and I am still trying.Bear with me. What do you think if I described some of Second Corinthians as a running gun-battle between Paul and preachers that carried long recommendations? I typically read ... After a few weeks of posting at Grace and Truth to You and fluctuating with my desires about comments, it seems that moderation provides th... Rachelle and I and the four kids are on a cruise of the Caribbean (March 13-20, 2011) with Rachelle´s parents, several extended family mem... One of the most effective  Christian  outreach ministries for mothers of young children is called  MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers . God Made For Man One Equal in Power, Strength and ... God Calls Patriarchal Headship A Sinful Desire. Were you the only ones it reached? Scholars, such as NT Wright and Richard Hays, are making the narrative substructure of Paul's letters the focal point of their research. to the ‘Gentiles’ letter saying, ‘You can’t commit murder, blab, blab, blab’Paula, can you guess why the Just didn’t quit his job after the veil of the Temple was torn? ?I don't understand. Guessing meaning from context Reading Lesson 7. From Jerusalem, Christianity spread to Antioch, Alexandria, Rome and Constantinople. A TEXT, TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT, IS A PRETEXT, FOR PROOFTEXT...what does the Bible actually mean? Much thanks to Chris Ryan for his insights. (2007). Have you ever wondered who wrote their recommendations? At Lenten Season, I made a vow of repentance to 'try to be more understanding of others'. It is a practical letter which appeals to sensible behavior in light of Jesus' teachings.