Avoiding False Equivalencies in Christian Doctrine Analogies and Examples
Christian doctrine often employs analogies and examples to explain complex theological concepts, but care must be taken to avoid false equivalencies, which can distort understanding. The Bible itself uses examples to instruct believers, such as the Israelites' wilderness experiences serving as "ensamples" to warn against lusting after evil things [2]. Similarly, Christ's life provides an example of avoiding strife and practicing self-denial [1, 3].
However, not all comparisons are valid. A false equivalency arises when two distinct things are treated as if they are equal in nature, significance, or consequence, despite fundamental differences. For instance, while Christians are called to "walk in wisdom" in their interactions with those outside the church [9], this does not imply that the wisdom of the world is equivalent to divine wisdom. The Apostle Paul warns against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers, drawing an analogy from the Old Testament law prohibiting plowing with an ox and an ass together, or marrying outside the faith [5]. This highlights a fundamental difference in spiritual alignment that makes certain partnerships inappropriate for believers [5].
The New Testament also cautions against engaging in "foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law," labeling them as "unprofitable and vain" [10]. Paul advises Timothy to "refuse" or "reject" "old wives' fables" because they lead away from godliness [7]. These passages emphasize that not all discussions or teachings hold equal spiritual value; some are distractions that do not contribute to "the edification of God which is in faith" [4].
Furthermore, the concept of "fellowship" in Christian life is specific. To "have fellowship with him" (God) means to walk "in the light," as opposed to walking "in darkness," which is characterized by lying and not practicing truth [6]. This distinction underscores that true fellowship is predicated on shared spiritual reality and moral conduct, not merely superficial agreement or association. Christians are exhorted to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them" [8]. This implies a clear differentiation between practices that align with God's will and those that do not, preventing any false equivalency between them.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 10:6 (Tyndale) — These are ensamples to vs that we shuld not lust after evyll thinges as they lusted”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (DRC) — Not to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which furnish questions rather than the edification of God which is in faith.”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 6:14: Be not--Greek, "Become not." unequally yoked--"yoked with one alien in spirit." The image is from the symbolical precept of the law (Lev 19:19), "Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind"; or the precept (Deu 22:10), "Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass together." Compare Deu 7:3, forbidding marriages with the heathen; also Co1 7:39. The believer and unbeliever are utterly heterogeneous. Too close intercourse with unbelievers in other relations also is included (Co2 6:16; Co1 8:10; Co1 10:14). fellowship--literally, "”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:6: say--profess. have fellowship with him-- (Jo1 1:3). The essence of the Christian life. walk--in inward and outward action, whithersoever we turn ourselves [BENGEL]. in darkness--Greek, "in the darkness"; opposed to "the light" (compare Jo1 2:8, Jo1 2:11). lie-- (Jo1 2:4). do not--in practice, whatever we say. the truth-- (Eph 4:21; Joh 3:21).”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:7: refuse--reject, avoid, have nothing to do with (Ti2 2:23; Tit 3:10). old wives' fables--anile myths (Ti1 1:4, Ti1 1:9; Tit 1:14). They are "profane," because leading away from "godliness" or "piety" (Ti1 1:4-7; Ti1 6:20; Ti2 2:16; Tit 1:1-2). exercise thyself--literally, "exercise thyself" as one undergoing training in a gymnasium. Let thy self-discipline be not in ascetical exercises as the false teachers (Ti1 4:3, Ti1 4:8; compare Ti2 2:22-23; Heb 5:14; Heb 12:11), but with a view to godliness or "piety" (Ti1 6:11-12).”
- Ephesians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ephesians 5 (introduction): Christians should imitate their heavenly Father, and walk in love, after the example of Christ, Eph 5:1, Eph 5:2. They should avoid all uncleanness, impurity, covetousness, and foolish jesting, and idolatry, because these things exclude from the kingdom of God, Eph 5:3-7. The Ephesians were once in darkness, but being now light in the Lord, they are exhorted to walk in that light, and bring forth the fruits of the Spirit; and to have no fellowship with the workers of iniquity, whose evil deeds are manifested by the light, Eph 5:8-13. All are exhorted ”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 4:5: (See on Eph 5:15-16.) in wisdom--practical Christian prudence. them . . . without--Those not in the Christian brotherhood (Co1 5:12; Th1 4:12). The brethren, through love, will make allowances for an indiscreet act or word of a brother; the world will make none. Therefore be the more on your guard in your intercourse with the latter, lest you be a stumbling-block to their conversion. redeeming the time--The Greek expresses, buying up for yourselves, and buying off from worldly vanities the opportunity, whenever it is afforded you, of good to y”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: Homily VI. Titus iii. 8–11 “These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject. Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Having spoken of the love of God to man, of His i”