Using Non-Scriptural Examples in Theology: Potential Pitfalls
Scripture itself employs non-scriptural examples sparingly and with precision. The apostles cite Christ as the supreme example of humility and suffering [3], and James points to the prophets as models of patient endurance under affliction [3]. These examples function within a tightly controlled biblical framework, always directing attention back to revealed truth rather than to the illustration itself.
The Risk of Distortion
When theology leans heavily on analogies drawn from outside Scripture—whether from nature, human experience, or cultural artifacts—several dangers emerge. First, the illustration can eclipse the doctrine. A vivid metaphor may lodge in memory while the biblical text it was meant to clarify fades. Second, non-scriptural examples often import assumptions that subtly reshape the doctrine they illustrate. An analogy drawn from modern psychology, for instance, may smuggle in therapeutic categories foreign to the biblical account of sin and redemption.
Third, such examples can flatten the mystery inherent in revealed truth. The incarnation, the Trinity, and the atonement resist full analogy precisely because they are sui generis—unique acts of God that transcend creaturely categories. To explain them primarily through earthly parallels risks reducing them to manageable concepts rather than preserving their scriptural strangeness.
The Flattery of Relevance
There is also a temptation to use contemporary examples as a form of rhetorical flattery, making theology palatable by dressing it in the idiom of the moment [2]. While Paul adapted his speech to different audiences, he never allowed cultural accommodation to dilute the offense of the cross [1]. The righteousness of faith and the necessity of inward purity caused offense in the first century [1], and attempts to soften that offense through clever illustration may betray the doctrine rather than clarify it.
Scriptural Sufficiency
The biblical writers themselves model restraint. John acknowledges that many of Jesus' works went unrecorded [4], yet he does not supplement the gospel narrative with hypothetical scenarios or invented parables. The apostolic pattern is to expound Scripture with Scripture, allowing the canon to interpret itself. When Paul addresses complex ethical questions, he appeals to the law, the prophets, and the example of Christ—not to philosophical systems or cultural wisdom detached from revelation [5]. Theology that strays from this pattern risks becoming "divers and strange doctrines" [5], untethered from the apostolic deposit.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Offence — Occasions of, must arrive -- Mt 18:7. Occasions of, forbidden -- 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3. Persecution, a cause of, to mere professors -- Mt 13:21; 24:10; 26:31. The wicked take, at The low station of Christ. -- Isa 53:1-3; Mt 13:54-57. Christ, as the corner-stone. -- Isa 8:14; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. Christ, as the bread of life. -- Joh 6:58-61. Christ crucified. -- 1Co 1:23; Ga 5:11. The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 9:32. The necessity of inward purity. -- Mt 15:11,12. Blessedness of not taking, at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Saints warned against taking -- Joh 16:1. Saints ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Flattery — Saints should not used -- Job 32:21,22. Ministers should not use -- 1Th 2:5. The wicked use, to Others. -- Ps 5:9; 12:2. Themselves. -- Ps 36:2. Hypocrites use, to God. -- Ps 78:36. Those in authority. -- Da 11:34. False prophets and teachers use -- Eze 12:24; Ro 16:18. Wisdom, a preservative against -- Pr 4:5. Worldly advantage obtained by -- Da 11:21,22. Seldom gains respect -- Pr 28:23. Avoid those given to -- Pr 20:19. Danger of -- Pr 7:21-23; 20:5. Punishment of -- Job 17:5; Ps 12:3. Exemplified Woman of Tekoah. -- 2Sa 14:17,20. Absalom. -- 2Sa 15:2-6”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 21:25: And there are also many other things which Jesus did,.... Which refer not to his doctrines and discourses, his sermons and prayers, and the conversation he had with his disciples, and others, on different accounts; but to the signs, and wonders, and miraculous operations, which were done by him, that are neither recorded in this, nor in any of the evangelists: the which, if they should be written everyone; with all the particular circumstances relating to them: I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. The Arabic versi”
- 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”