A Primer on Proof-Texting - A Common Misuse of Scripture

I have posted a selection of articles on proof-texting to help Anglicans Ablaze readers  acquire a better understanding of this common misuse of Scripture.

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 three times as many." [1];The result can be that certain portions of Scripture are more heavily treated than others (e.g. Pauline texts). Yet, while the method of proof texting can be problematic, nevertheless theology must still maintain a thoroughly biblical character. The New Testament authors support this idea in their own citations of the Old Testament text. [2]; Thus, the main criticism of proof texting falls on its method rather than its desire and motivation to base theology on the canonical text. But in one's interpretation of a text, the genre and context should never be ignored. As the saying goes, "a text without a context is a pretext for a proof text. Keep reading

Definition of Prooftexting, Proof Texting

Many times when someone discusses what the Bible teaches they may use, even unbeknownest to them, what is called Proof Text. Proof texting uses certain short passages, many times only a single verse, pulled from the Bible in support of a particular belief or doctrine.

The problem with this method is that the person who is Prooftexting usually gives their selected verses a meaning that may be entirely different from what the writer intended. The Bible is written in such a way that most verses cannot be correctly understood in a stand alone fashion. The context of a particular verse, who wrote it, when did they write it, where did they write it, etc. is needed to arrive at its intended inspired meaning. Keep reading

Henry Neufeld: Facing the Proof Text Method

I suggest that the use of proof-texts is a manifestation of laziness and the desire to get something for nothing. People do not wish to spend the time firmly grounding their understanding in what various Bible writers actually teach. They would much rather have a short list of texts that support precisely what they have decided to believe anyhow. Thus, the use of proof-texts tends toward hypocrisy. To the uninformed, the purveyor of proof-texts can appear to be wonderfully informed and a deep scholar of the Bible. In fact, the result of reliance on proof-texts is a moral certainty and overbearing arrogance that is not supported by one’s study or learning.

But first let me define what I mean by proof-texting. By proof-texting I mean the use of individual scripture texts to produce apparent support for a doctrinal position without adequate regard for the contexts of the individual texts which may indicate differences and nuances. I do not include the use of texts for illustration or the use of texts which are properly taken in context and limited appropriately in what one tries to prove from them. In particular, I’m referring to the creation of entire doctrines which one demands that others believe or commands which one then demands that others obey, taken from a tissue of the words of texts but ignoring the meaning of those texts in their original contexts. Keep reading

Proof-texting

What is proof-texting, and what are the dangers surrounding this method?

Definition

A proof-text is a verse or short passage from the Bible used by someone as part of his proof for a doctrinal belief he wishes to substantiate to others. However, since verses and passages may rely extensively on the context in which they appear for correct interpretation, pulling these out of their context and having them stand alone in a “proof” can, at times, be very misleading. In addition, a set of such proof-texts can completely ignore other passages which, if added to the mix, might well lead to an entirely different conclusion. Someone who relies strongly only on a list of proof-texts in order to make a doctrinal argument may have a very weak case for his argument. Noting that a religious teacher relies heavily just on proof-texting is viewed in theological circles as a very negative evaluation. (Dewey).

Keep reading

Lisa Robinson: The Problem with Proof-Texting

For those who don’t know what proof-texting is – it is finding passages of scripture that supports whatever position you want to uphold. Typically what happens is that an assertion is made, which generates disagreement. The opposer will list a passage of scripture or a string of passages as proof that that assertion is wrong. I have noticed this to be a common occurrence in the blogosphere. But I do believe it happens quite often in face to face conversations.

Now, please don’t get me wrong. I do understand the need for Christians to support positions with the biblical text. Otherwise, whatever it is we are trying to assert or refute can get reduced to mere opinion. However, I have observed that submitting a string of bible passages to communicate that position can cause some problems that can undermine the reconciliation and convictions we are seeking to uphold. Keep reading

What Is Proof-Texting? 

Proof-texting is the use of out-of-context quotes to support an argument. Most often, proof-texting is used in the quoting of religious texts, although scholarly texts are often used. The technique is somewhat related to and is often combined with sophistry, which uses garbled logic to support an illogical claim. Proof-texting is generally disdained by experts as an attempt to deceive a gullible audience, and is often considered a logical fallacy of authoritarian bias.

In a typical proof-text, a person will use a quote, often a Biblical verse, as evidence for their related argument. For example, if a person was arguing that it is fine to disobey speed limits on roads, they might point out that the texts of their religion say that only God’s law matters, and since God didn’t set the speed limit, there is no reason to follow it.

This type of argument is frequently called the fallacy of appeal to authority. In this use of incorrect logic, the arguer basis their position on an idea handed down by an authority figure, such as God. Most proof-texting bases itself on the presumed infallibility of its authority figure. In other words, it doesn’t matter if the argument makes any sense, if the authority figure said it, it must be true. Keep reading