2008-04-01

Out of Context

I get really annoyed when people quote scripture out of context, especially really obvious passages.

For instance, one of my biggest pet peeves is when people quote Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them."
- First: it's often misquoted. Usually people say something like, "Where two or more are gathered I with them." It's just not the same. If you're going to quote it - memorize it.
- Second: Clearly when the passage is read in its whole context it's about Church discipline or rather brotherly reconciliation. It's not make a statement about the nature of God, Jesus is giving authority to those seeking healing and forgiveness.
and
- Third: When people misquote and pull out of context this text they are making a huge theological error. Is God ever not there? Is God not with you when you are alone? Do you have to be with someone in order to experience God's presence.

How about you? Are there any passages that you often here out of context?

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