Using Non-Biblical Examples in Theological Discussions
Using Non-Biblical Examples in Theological Discussions
The use of non-biblical examples in theological discussions is a practice that has been debated among Christian scholars and theologians. The Bible itself provides examples of using non-scriptural references to make a point, such as in Acts 17:28 where Paul quotes Greek poets to engage his Athenian audience [8].
One of the primary concerns with using non-biblical examples is the potential for introducing "divers and strange doctrines" that may contradict the teachings of Scripture [7]. The apostle Paul warns against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" in Hebrews 13:9, emphasizing the importance of remaining grounded in the doctrine of Christ [7, 9].
However, the Bible also demonstrates the value of using external examples to illustrate theological concepts. For instance, Jesus uses parables, which often drew on everyday experiences and non-scriptural narratives, to convey spiritual truths [2]. The use of parables highlights the importance of contextualizing theological discussions to make them relevant and accessible to a broader audience.
In 1 Timothy 1:4, the author warns against giving heed to "stories and endless genealogies" that promote speculative and divisive ideas, suggesting that not all non-biblical examples are equally valid or useful [3]. The key is to discern which examples are "wholesome" and align with the doctrine of Christ, as opposed to those that may lead to controversy or confusion [5, 6].
The early Christian theologians and apologists often engaged with the cultural and philosophical context of their time, using non-biblical sources to articulate and defend Christian doctrine. This approach demonstrates that the use of non-biblical examples can be a valuable tool in theological discussions, as long as it is done in a way that remains faithful to Scripture.
Ultimately, the decision to use non-biblical examples in theological discussions should be guided by a commitment to sound doctrine and a willingness to engage with the broader cultural context. By doing so, Christians can effectively communicate the relevance and significance of their faith to a wider audience.
The biblical emphasis on being "examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3) and living a life that is an example to others [1, 4] underscores the importance of contextualizing theological discussions in a way that is both faithful to Scripture and relevant to the surrounding culture.
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; ”
- 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”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (Rotherham) — Not to be teaching otherwise, nor yet to be giving heed to stories and endless genealogies,—the which, bring, arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith;—”
- I Peter “I Peter 5:3 (Webster) — Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being examples to the flock.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 6:3 (Webster) — If any man teacheth otherwise, and consenteth not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness,”
- 1 Timothy “1 Timothy 6:3 (NASB) — If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 17:16: 17:16-34 In this chapter, we see Paul presented as a model witness for Christ, engaging the thinkers of his day and challenging them with the Christian message. Paul quoted writers his audience would be familiar with and showed the relevance of the gospel by dialoguing with them, critiquing their assumptions, and offering Jesus as a constructive alternative (see Col 1:28). Paul reminded these proud intellectuals that there is a living God to whom all human beings are answerable; that they will be judged by him through Jesus, whom God raised from the dead; and that ”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:9: about--rather, as oldest manuscripts read, "carried aside"; namely, compare Eph 4:14. divers--differing from the one faith in the one and the same Jesus Christ, as taught by them who had the rule over you (Heb 13:7). strange--foreign to the truth. doctrines--"teachings." established with grace; not with meats--not with observances of Jewish distinctions between clean and unclean meats, to which ascetic Judaizers added in Christian times the rejection of some meats, and the use of others: noticed also by Paul in Co1 8:8, Co1 8:13; Co1 6:13; Rom”