"A text without context is a pretext"

[LifeHiscost]

I took the time to look up the word "pretext" to find whether this word could be properly used to define the truthfulness of a scripture text without surrounding textual context. After finding a reliable source for definition, here below spelled out_____

from Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary

to weave in front a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs.

____which would infer anyone using a scripture text without attending available textual history, has a motivation or is alleged the real intention or purpose is cloaked. This use predetermines disbelief of the text used based on the alleged desire to mislead or deceive, a direct contradiction of the attitude of a Christian's personal foundation of love in the use of Holy Scripture to guide the life.

"Love..., is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances" 1 Corinthians 13:7 AMP

Regards!

[Bravus]

You didn't read my clear and detailed explanation of this phrase, did you?

[Bravus]

Re-posted in this thread (in context!!)

The 'text/context/pretext' thing does not mean that something given without the full context is a pretext, it means that something used in a way that contradicts its meaning in context is a pretext. Jesus, by definition, *is* the context of any Scripture, so it's impossible for Him to quote it out of context, yet he uses it in ways that are in harmony with its context anyway. That aphorism is used to oppose those who chose to twist the plain Word by taking it and using it in ways clearly hostile to the original intent revealed by the context. I take your point about Scripture revealing other truths when used in a smaller fashion, but I think and hope you would agree with me that such truths ought to be consistent with the rest of Scrpture and with the original context. Otherwise, what saves us from reading "And Judas went out and hanged himself" followed by "go and do thou likewise", and taking it as newly revealed truth?

[Neil D]

Quote:

____which would infer anyone using a scripture text without attending available textual history, has a motivation or is alleged the real intention or purpose is cloaked. This use predetermines disbelief of the text used based on the alleged desire to mislead or deceive, a direct contradiction of the attitude of a Christian's personal foundation of love in the use of Holy Scripture to guide the life.

Suspecious bugger, isn't he?

[Bravus]

We could make the aphorism more precise, but less pithy, by changing it to:

'A text without context is sometimes a pretext'

or

'A text used in a way hostile to its clear meaning in context is a pretext'

LHC, I'm not saying that this is always the case, but neither, as you seem to be asserting, is it never the case. As I illustrated with the Judas thing, it is possible to wrench texts out of context to teach error. And sometimes people do so.

[Woody]

The issue I have is who is allowed to claim ownership of what the proper context is? All seem to have a different idea of what the context is. So, what happens is the one that thinks his opinion is final ... claims that the other person is not using proper context ... because HE alone knows what that is.

[Bravus]

That's true - but that's just one of the many difficulties that start to assail us when we take Biblical (and SOP) scholarship seriously. It's only the antidote to those who claim that their own particular anti-context use of the text is definitively true.

[Woody]

Yes. But not much of an antidote when both use it.

This is why we need to allow each person to believe as they believe. NO absolute truth. Why? Because no one has the absolute and complete truth. In Heaven we will find out about absolute truth. On earth we just can't agree.

It is the Holy Spirit that leads us ... and apparently the HS is leading each person with different steps.

[phkrause]

I think that the Holy Spirit Leads with the same steps, or meets us where we are. Just as each Christian is at a different place in there walk with Christ. My 2 cents worth.

pk

[Woody]

ok ... pk

[LifeHiscost]

We could make the aphorism more precise, but less pithy, by changing it to:

'A text without context is sometimes a pretext'

or

'A text used in a way hostile to its clear meaning in context is a pretext'

LHC, I'm not saying that this is always the case, but neither, as you seem to be asserting, is it never the case. As I illustrated with the Judas thing, it is possible to wrench texts out of context to teach error. And sometimes people do so.

Thank you for your followup, Bravus. The attendant discussion has brought out a clearer picture and much like any humanistic

maxim, used without qualification it leaves as much confusion as it supplies enlightenment, as some are content to leave without regard for honest seekers after Truth.

I would also like to draw attention to the probable fact that

there are as many people who use the "out of context" in order to escape the convicting power of the Holy Spirit's Word as there are those who misuse it for misleading deliberately.

And, yes, I did read your post but have to admit don't always pick up all the points as long posts use up my IQ (interest quotient). That's the forum equivalent of a poor listener.

Sorry.

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." John 7:17 KJV

Blessings!