Avoiding Unbiblical Analogies and Examples in Theological Discussions
The Apostle Paul frequently cautioned against engaging in "foolish questions," "myths," and "endless genealogies" in theological discourse [1, 2, 5]. These warnings highlight the importance of avoiding unbiblical analogies and examples that lead to speculation rather than edification [1, 2]. Such discussions are described as causing "useless speculations" and hindering "God’s plan that is by faith" [1].
Paul's instruction to Titus emphasizes shunning "foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain" [8]. Matthew Henry, commenting on Titus 3:9, notes that while "needful questions" can lead to improvement in knowledge, "idle and foolish enquiries" do not contribute to God's glory or edification [5]. Similarly, John Gill, in his commentary on 1 Timothy 4:7, interprets "profane and old wives' fables" as either Jewish traditions or Gnostic doctrines, which are to be rejected as "impious and ungodly" and "foolish and impertinent" [6].
The New Testament also warns against "perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds" who are "destitute of the truth of Christ" [7]. These individuals are characterized by their contentious nature, often leading to strife and anger [7]. The Bible identifies various sources of strife, including pride, wrath, and "curious questions" [3]. Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Romans 14:19, encourages believers to promote peace and unanimity rather than contending over non-essential matters, thereby building each other up in "religious knowledge and piety" [9].
The emphasis is consistently on focusing on what is profitable for spiritual growth and avoiding discussions that are merely speculative or divisive [1, 5, 8]. This includes refraining from "pagan wordiness" and endless repetition in prayer, as exemplified by the simplicity of the Lord's Prayer [10]. The goal of theological discussion should be to further God's administration by faith, rather than to engage in disputes that stem from malice or a contentious disposition [1, 3, 4].
Sources
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (LEB) — and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause useless speculations rather than God’s plan that is by faith.”
- 1 Timothy “1 Timothy 1:4 (NASB) — nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.”
- 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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Malice — Springs from an evil heart -- Mt 15:19,20; Ga 5:19. Forbidden -- 1Co 14:20; Col 3:8; Eph 4:26,27. A hindrance to growth in grace -- 1Pe 2:1,2. Incompatible with the worship of God -- 1Co 5:7,8. Christian liberty not to be a cloak for -- 1Pe 2:16. Saints avoid -- Job 31:29,30; Ps 35:12-14. The wicked Speak with. -- 3Jo 1:10. Live in. -- Tit 3:3. Conceive. -- Ps 7:14. Filled with. -- Ro 1:29. Visit saints with. -- Ps 83:3; Mt 22:6. Pray for those who injure you through -- Mt 5:44. Brings its own punishment -- Ps 7:15,16. God requites -- Ps 10:14; Eze 36:5. Pun”
- Titus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Titus 3:9: Here is the fifth and last thing in the matter of the epistle: what Titus should avoid in teaching; how he should deal with a heretic; with some other directions. Observe, I. That the apostle's meaning might be more clear and full, and especially fitted to the time and state of things in Crete, and the many judaizers among them, he tells Titus what, in teaching, he should shun, Tit 3:9. There are needful questions to be discussed and cleared, such as make for improvement in useful knowledge; but idle and foolish enquiries, tending neither to God's glory nor the edif”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 4:7: But refuse profane and old wives' fables,.... Either Jewish ones, the traditions of the elders; or those of the Gnostics, concerning God, angels, and the creation of the world; or those doctrines of demons, and which forbad marriage, and commanded abstinence from meats before mentioned; which are called profane, because impious and ungodly, and old wives' fables, because foolish and impertinent; and which were to be rejected with abhorrence and contempt, in comparison of the words of faith and good doctrine. And exercise thyself rather unto godliness; either to th”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 6:5: Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds,.... Who being corrupt in their principles, and corrupters of the word of God, dispute in a very froward and perverse way, rubbing and galling one another, and so provoke, to wrath and anger, and, every evil work: and destitute of the truth of Christ, who is the truth, knowing nothing of him spiritually and savingly; and of the Gospel, the word of truth; and also of the truth of grace, being carnal, sensual, and having not the Spirit of God. Supposing that gain is godliness; such were Simon Magus and his followers, and”
- 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”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 14:19: Let us therefore follow - Far from contending about meats, drinks, and festival times, in which it is not likely that the Jews and Gentiles will soon agree, let us endeavor to the utmost of our power to promote peace and unanimity, that we may be instrumental in edifying each other, in promoting religious knowledge and piety instead of being stumbling-blocks in each other's way.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:7: 6:7-8 God cannot be coaxed by endless repetition. The Lord’s Prayer (6:9-13) is a model of simplicity in contrast with pagan wordiness.”