The constant internet warfare we have to contend with these days can be neither won nor lost. It is ongoing and leaves no stone unturned. The nature of science is repeatedly pitted against the nature of religion as if the two are mortal enemies in a joust for cultural dominance.
Specific battles are too many to list and ‘winning arguments’ few.
Too many open the Bible only to cite passages that prove them right and their opponents wrong. Many years ago, a new term arose as a catch-all for people who use the bible to figuratively hit one another over the head. If you can cite a verse, I can cite a verse, and anyone can cite a verse as long as it is intended to prove someone wrong.
I have long held the opinion that Bible-bashing is contrary to the true teachings of Jesus Christ, as described in that same Bible, and confirmed in various other scriptures. The act of contention—fighting amongst ourselves—even if over faith violates Christ’s example.
The Book of Mormon—a scriptural reference central to Latter-Day Saint culture—tells a story that I find to be relevant today. When Lehi and his sons are wandering in the wilderness after leaving the city of Jerusalem, Lehi recounts a vision about a rod of iron, a tree, and a great and spacious building.
The symbolism with this story is hard to miss, even for people of other faiths. Lehi details the struggles and temptations of the few who cling fast to the rod of iron while viewing an expansive building filled with happy, partying people.
In Mormon teachings, the rod of iron represents the word of God. The gospel. If we hold to it until the end, we will reach the tree of life (the Kingdom of God) and if we stray, it will be difficult for us to reach the tree. The great and spacious building is said to refer to the world at large. The world will always be a temptation, but our rewards will be greater if we cling to the rod.
When we engage in Bible-bashing, we are straying from the rod. Some Christians on the internet are figuratively sawing off portions of that rod to hit people with. The great and spacious building supposedly resembles the world. I never thought it would actually be a church.
In my view, it is unfair to paint all, or even most Christians with this brush. Most mean well. A person’s conviction can be a powerful tool in the quest for everlasting life and if we can use it to bring more sheep into the fold, then so be it. Bible-bashing in all its forms is not about converting more people. If it were, then the tactic would be backfiring spectacularly. In today’s world, many are leaving churches over the perceived “better than thou” attitude.
If we cannot argue religion respectfully, we have no religion at all.
The scriptures should not divide us and seek to alienate those with whom we may not agree. I have seen many blatant instances online where people quote Bible verses specifically to hurt groups of people, calling their way of life ‘an abomination’
The Bible and the word of God are references for our spiritual journey, not weapons we can wield to defeat those we claim to be unrighteous. It is not a history or science text and it is not a work of fiction.
Quoting the Bible for the right purposes presents us with another avenue to reach to reach others and ourselves. I don’t often quote Bible verses, but here is one of my favorites. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”—James 1:5, KJV.
I am not a pastor or a preacher, or even a religious writer. I’m a novelist with a deeply-held opinion. We can and should share the Bible in love. That is its true purpose. Using it as an excuse to hate is, in my opinion, one of the least Christlike actions we can take. Understanding the true meaning of scripture and how it applies to our secular society can be both challenging and rewarding.