Using Secular Examples to Enhance Biblical Truth in Teaching
The use of secular examples to enhance biblical truth in teaching is a practice rooted in the biblical tradition itself, particularly evident in the parables of Jesus. The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" is derived, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [1]. This method involves drawing parallels between familiar, everyday experiences or concepts and deeper spiritual truths, making abstract doctrines more accessible and memorable.
Jesus frequently employed parables, which could range from short proverbs to expanded metaphors, to convey profound spiritual lessons [1]. For instance, the parable of the prodigal son illustrates the grace of the gospel, while the parable of the rich man and Lazarus serves to awaken listeners to the reality of future judgment and to guard against worldliness and sensuality [6]. These narratives, though fictional, drew upon common life experiences of his audience to illuminate divine principles. The effectiveness of this approach lies in its ability to connect with the audience's existing knowledge and understanding, building a bridge from the known to the unknown.
Beyond parables, the Bible itself uses various forms of illustration and comparison. Old Testament wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, often uses observations from the natural world and human behavior to teach moral and spiritual lessons. Prophetic utterances also sometimes took on enigmatic or illustrative forms [1]. This demonstrates a long-standing biblical precedent for using relatable examples to convey truth.
The practice of using secular examples aligns with the broader pedagogical principle of starting where the learner is. By referencing concepts or situations familiar to the audience from their secular lives, teachers can help them grasp complex theological ideas. This is not about diluting biblical truth but about clarifying it. For example, when discussing the concept of "diligence," a teacher might point to secular examples of individuals who achieve success through persistent effort in their careers or hobbies, then connect this to the biblical call for diligence in seeking God, obeying Him, striving for perfection, and cultivating Christian graces [3]. Similarly, "self-denial," a core Christian virtue, can be illustrated by athletes who deny themselves certain pleasures for the sake of their training, before moving to Christ's example of self-denial and its necessity in following Him and in the spiritual warfare of saints [4].
The goal is to make the abstract concrete. When teaching about "sincerity," one might consider how sincerity is valued in human relationships or professional contexts, then apply this to the biblical call for sincerity in love for God and Christ, in service, faith, and overall conduct [2]. This approach helps individuals see the practical implications of biblical teachings in their daily lives, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to active application.
However, it is crucial that the secular examples chosen accurately reflect and reinforce biblical truth, rather than distorting or undermining it. The example should serve the biblical message, not overshadow it. The teacher's primary commitment remains to the "doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ" [8]. The apostle Paul, for instance, warned against teaching "another doctrine" that deviates from what he had taught [7]. This implies a careful selection of examples that uphold the integrity of the biblical message.
The use of secular examples can also help to address common misunderstandings or provide a fresh perspective on familiar biblical concepts. For instance, the concept of "afflictions" being beneficial might seem counterintuitive. A teacher could use secular examples of how challenges in life, such as overcoming a difficult illness or a professional setback, can lead to personal growth, resilience, or a re-evaluation of priorities. This can then be connected to the biblical teaching that afflictions can promote God's glory, exhibit His power, teach His will, turn individuals to Him, and lead to prayer and conviction of sin [5].
The effectiveness of this teaching method also depends on the teacher's discernment and wisdom. Not all secular examples are equally suitable, and some might carry unintended connotations that could distract from or even contradict the biblical truth. The teacher must ensure that the example chosen is culturally relevant and easily understood by the audience, while also being morally sound and consistent with Christian ethics.
Sources
- 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”
- 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: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- 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 ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 16:19: As the parable of the prodigal son set before us the grace of the gospel, which is encouraging to us all, so this sets before us the wrath to come, and is designed for our awakening; and very fast asleep those are in sin that will not be awakened by it. The Pharisees made a jest of Christ's sermon against worldliness; now this parable was intended to make those mockers serious. The tendency of the gospel of Christ is both to reconcile us to poverty and affliction and to arm us against temptations to worldliness and sensuality. Now this parable, by drawing the curta”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 6:3: If any man teach otherwise,.... Or another doctrine, as the Syriac version renders it; a doctrine different from what the apostle had now taught, concerning the duty of servants to their masters; as did the false teachers, who despised dominion or government; not only civil government, and so spoke evil of rulers and magistrates; and church government, and therefore reviled the apostles, elders, and pastors of churches; but family government, and encouraged disobedience to parents and masters; see Pe2 2:10 or teach another doctrine, from that of the Bible, of Chris”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”