Biblical Basis for Using Secular Examples in Theology
Biblical Basis for Using Secular Examples in Theology
The use of secular examples in theology is grounded in the biblical practice of drawing lessons from various aspects of life and creation. The Bible itself employs examples from everyday life, nature, and secular history to illustrate spiritual truths and moral lessons.
The biblical writers frequently use secular examples to convey theological and moral teachings. For instance, the book of Proverbs draws on observations of nature and human behavior to impart wisdom [4]. The apostle Paul uses examples from Greek culture and philosophy to communicate the gospel to his audience in Athens (Acts 17:22-31). This approach suggests that secular examples can be validly used to illustrate and support theological arguments.
Christ himself set an example by using secular illustrations in his teachings. He drew on agricultural practices, weather phenomena, and social customs to convey spiritual truths [1, 2, 3]. For example, Jesus used the example of a farmer sowing seeds to explain the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:1-23). This method of teaching demonstrates that secular examples can be effectively used to communicate theological concepts.
The early Christian writers and theologians continued this practice. They often drew on secular knowledge and examples to articulate and defend Christian doctrine. For instance, the early church fathers used examples from Roman law and social practices to explain the nature of Christ's sacrifice and the implications of Christian ethics [5].
The use of secular examples in theology is also supported by the biblical doctrine of creation. According to this doctrine, all of creation is God's handiwork and reflects God's character and wisdom (Psalm 19:1-6, Romans 1:20). Therefore, observations of the natural world and human experience can provide insights into God's nature and purposes.
Some Christian traditions have emphasized the importance of using secular examples and knowledge in theological discourse. The Puritan commentator Matthew Henry, for example, used observations from everyday life and nature to illustrate spiritual truths in his commentary on Ecclesiastes [6].
However, the use of secular examples in theology is not without its challenges. Some have argued that secular examples can be misleading or irrelevant to theological inquiry. Others have cautioned against the uncritical adoption of secular perspectives that may conflict with biblical teachings.
Despite these challenges, the biblical basis for using secular examples in theology remains robust. By drawing on a wide range of sources, including everyday experience, nature, and secular history, theologians can develop a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of Christian doctrine.
The practice of using secular examples is evident in various biblical genres, including wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and the teachings of Jesus. It is also reflected in the approach of early Christian writers and theologians. As such, the use of secular examples in theology can be seen as a continuation of a biblical and historical Christian practice.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Mercy — After the example of God -- Lu 6:36. Enjoined -- 2Ki 6:21-23; Ho 12:6; Ro 12:20,21; Col 3:12. To be engraved on the heart -- Pr 3:3. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 37:26; Isa 57:1. Should be shown With cheerfulness. -- Ro 12:8. To our brethren. -- Zec 7:9. to those that are in distress. -- Lu 10:37. To the poor. -- Pr 14:31; Da 4:27. To backsliders. -- Lu 15:18-20; 2Co 2:6-8. To animals. -- Pr 12:10. Upholds the throne of kings -- Pr 20:28. Beneficial to those who exercise -- Pr 11:17. Blessedness of showing -- Pr 14:21; Mt 5:7. Hypocrites devoid of -- Mt 23:”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Ecclesiastes (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 3 (introduction): Solomon having shown the vanity of studies, pleasures, and business, and made it to appear that happiness is not to be found in the schools of the learned, nor in the gardens of Epicurus, nor upon the exchange, he proceeds, in this chapter, further to prove his doctrine, and the inference he had drawn from it, That therefore we should cheerfully content ourselves with, and make use of, what God has given us, by showing, I. The mutability of all human affairs (Ecc 3:1-10). II. The immutability of the divine counsels concerning them and the unsearc”