Good Skeptics - Acts 17

Christians should study Scripture for themselves so they recognize error...

In seminary they taught us the difference between eisegesis and exegesis.

Eisegesis = starting with a belief and searching for Scriptures to support it. This typically involves taking verses out of context and twisting their meaning. To see an example: Popular Teachings of Joel Osteen.

Exegesis = the opposite of eisegesis. It means studying Scripture carefully to form our beliefs.

A number of dangerous philosophies are based on eisegesis, and many Christians unwittingly accept them because they usually appeal to our fallen human nature.

We should question any philosophy that is as popular in the world as in the church. Being politely skeptical like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 prevents us from being taken captive:

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8 

Have you accepted teachings without testing them with Scripture? I give an example of eisegesis used to support the self-esteem philosophy HERE.

To do a very short Bite Size Study on this devotion, click HERE.

p

Bible Love Notes