r/DebateAChristian•
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Why are christians dismissed for using 'context' as an argument?

I asked a question a few days ago about christians using biblical references during debates.

SpaceCowboy57 presented a great summary,

TL;DR I know this seems unfair, but the contexts in which I have seen atheists both dismiss bible quotes and use them against you are typically different. The use of quotes against christians comes from the context "if the bible is true, then..." whereas the dismissal of biblical evidence comes from the context of "I don't think your book is correct, show me more solid proof".

I agree with this.

But often I see christians dismissed for using 'context' as an argument.

The Bible is largely a book mixed with history and divine revelation written over a period of 4000(?) years. It has 60+ authors. Context is necessary.

Concerning inconsistencies, too often I see verses contrasted against each other which are literally thousands of years apart of being written. Or numerical things such as 'This verse says they had 9000 chariots, but this verse says they had 8000, inconsistent! It doesn't matter, the point is they had a lot of chariots. But as soon as 'context' is mentioned, the debate is over.

Context also applies to theological ideas. Some ask 'If God is Loving, why does/doesn't _____ happen'. Context. If there is an almighty supreme power, then one may conclude that our understanding is not deep enough to reason through Gods will. If there is an almighty supreme power, then It would decide what 'loving' may or may not be, regardless of whatever box humans may contain it to.

Then sometimes I see idea of 'Oh, well if your god really is so mean, I don't want to serve him anyway. Send me to hell, that's where all the cool kids will be." Context is obviously being thrown out of the window. If the christian god is real, what point does it prove to willingly defy this god when the consequence is 'eternal punishment' (of some kind), a consequence that his Son was nailed to a cross to negate? (That last question is more towards atheists/agnostics rather than other theists, who answer with their God).

If one is to engage in debate with christians, then one must consider the context from which their book is written, as well as the implications the context of their theology presents.

Posted Dec 29, 2011, 4:02 AM UTC

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