We continue the series “1/2 Truths” where every week we will explore and analyze a common Christian phrase. Last week we considered the phrase “God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle” and this week we move on to the phrase “God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It.”
How many times have you heard this statement? This exclamation is typically employed at the end of a discussion or argument. I have rarely heard this phrase used any other way. This statement implies a literal reading of the Bible, unfailing certainty, and an unwillingness to discuss contextual analysis of our sacred scriptures.
Let’s take a look at this scripture:
Deuteronomy 23: 12-14 (CEB)
“The latrines must be outside the camp. You will use them there, outside the camp. Carry a shovel with the rest of your gear; once you have relieved yourself, use it to dig a hole, then refill it, covering your excrement.
Do these things because the Lord your God travels with you, right in the middle of your camp, ready to save you and to hand your enemies over to you. For this reason your camp must be holy. The Lord must not see anything indecent among you, or he will turn away from you.”
Consider these questions:
- Do you really think God will turn away from you if you use indoor plumbing?
- Do you take these verses literally? Why or why not?
- How do you discern which parts of scripture are literal and which parts deserve more scrutiny and analysis?
- What method(s) do you use to analyze scripture?