Analogies Used to Obscure Scripture in Christian Teaching
Analogies Used to Obscure Scripture in Christian Teaching
The use of analogies to understand and explain Scripture is a long-standing practice in Christian teaching. However, when these analogies obscure the meaning of Scripture rather than clarifying it, they can become problematic. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, the correct interpretation of Scripture involves "comparing spiritual things with spiritual," which means expounding Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture by comparison with the Gospel revealed by the same Spirit [2].
One of the ways analogies can be misused is by being taken too far or being used to justify false doctrine. For instance, the interpretation of parables can be particularly challenging, as the term "parable" had a wide application in the New Testament, being used for short proverbs, dark prophetic utterances, and enigmatic maxims [1]. When analogies are used to obscure the clear meaning of Scripture, they can lead to "pernicious ways" and "licentiousness," as warned against in 2 Peter 2:2.
The early Christian interpreters were aware of the dangers of misusing analogies. For example, in interpreting 2 Peter 3:16, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note that Paul's Epistles were by that time considered the common property of all churches, and Peter distinguishes Paul's Epistle to the readers from "all his (other) Epistles," showing that certain definite churches or particular classes of believers are meant [6].
Some Christian traditions have historically been cautious about the use of analogies in interpreting Scripture. John Gill, for instance, warns against those who would "hurt" or "injure" the prophets of God, which can include opposing their writings or blaspheming their doctrines [4]. Adam Clarke, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of Scripture, as seen in his introduction to Luke 12, where he notes that Christ preaches against hypocrisy and timidity in publishing the Gospel [5].
The misuse of analogies can have serious consequences, including the blasphemy of the truth and the evil speaking of the way of truth, as noted in 2 Peter 2:2 [3]. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the use of analogies in Christian teaching with care and a commitment to understanding the original context and meaning of Scripture.
The historical development of Christian doctrine has been shaped by the careful use of analogies and the avoidance of their misuse. As seen in the various commentaries, the Presbyterian, Baptist/Reformed, and Methodist/Wesleyan traditions all emphasize the importance of interpreting Scripture in a way that is faithful to its original meaning [2, 4, 5].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 2:13: also--We not only know by the Holy Ghost, but we also speak the "things freely given to us of God" (Co1 2:12). which the Holy Ghost teacheth--The old manuscripts read "the Spirit" simply, without "Holy." comparing spiritual things with spiritual--expounding the Spirit-inspired Old Testament Scripture, by comparison with the Gospel which Jesus by the same Spirit revealed [GROTIUS]; and conversely illustrating the Gospel mysteries by comparing them with the Old Testament types [CHRYSOSTOM]. So the Greek word is translated, "comparing" (Co2 10:”
- 2 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Peter 2:2: follow--out: so the Greek. pernicious ways--The oldest manuscripts and Vulgate read, "licentiousness" (Jde 1:4). False doctrine and immoral practice generally go together (Pe2 2:18-19). by reason of whom--"on account of whom," namely, the followers of the false teachers. the way of truth shall be evil spoken of--"blasphemed" by those without, who shall lay on Christianity itself the blame of its professors' evil practice. Contrast Pe1 2:12.”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 11:5: And if any man will hurt them,.... Do any injury to their persons, or properties, oppose their writings, blaspheme their doctrines, and hinder their ministrations; whoever; they be, whether they be any that live among them, or in other parts; whether they be secret or open enemies; or whether they be of the outward court, or be really Gentiles or Papists; and especially if they do them any injustice, if they wrong, oppress, afflict, and distress them knowingly and willingly: fire proceedeth out of their mouth; by which may be meant the word of God, which they pr”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 12 (introduction): Christ preaches to his disciples against hypocrisy; and against timidity in publishing the Gospel, Luk 12:1-5. Excites them to have confidence in Divine providence, Luk 12:6, Luk 12:7. Warns them against denying him, or betraying his cause, Luk 12:8, Luk 12:9. Of the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, Luk 12:10. Promises direction and support in persecution, Luk 12:11, Luk 12:12. Warns the people against covetousness, Luk 12:13-15. Parable of the rich man who pulled down his granaries to build greater, Luk 12:16-21. Cautions against carking cares and anxie”
- 2 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Peter 3:16: also in all his epistles-- Rom 2:4 is very similar to Pe2 3:15, beginning. The Pauline Epistles were by this time become the common property of all the churches. The "all" seems to imply they were now completed. The subject of the Lord's coming is handled in Th1 4:13; Th1 5:11; compare Pe2 3:10 with Th1 5:2. Still Peter distinguishes Paul's Epistle, or Epistles, "TO YOU," from "all his (other) Epistles," showing that certain definite churches, or particular classes of believers, are meant by "you." in which--Epistles. The oldest manuscripts read the”