Caution in Using Non-Biblical Examples in Theological Discussions
Theological discussions benefit from careful adherence to biblical revelation, and caution is advised when incorporating non-biblical examples or philosophical concepts that might obscure or contradict scriptural truth. The Apostle Paul warns against being taken captive "through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Colossians 2:8, Webster). This admonition highlights the potential for human traditions and worldly philosophies to divert believers from Christ-centered understanding [3].
Similarly, 1 Timothy 1:4 cautions against "giving heed to stories and endless genealogies," which lead to "arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith" (Rotherham) [4]. This suggests that speculative or non-foundational discussions can distract from the core tenets of faith and lead to unproductive disputes. John Gill, in his commentary on Hebrews 13:9, emphasizes the importance of not being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines." He contrasts the uniform doctrine of Scripture with the varied and often contradictory doctrines of men, whether Jewish traditions or Gentile philosophies [6].
The Bible itself provides numerous examples and principles for theological discourse. For instance, Christ is presented as an example of avoiding strife (Isaiah 42:2; Matthew 12:15-19) [1]. Sincerity is a characteristic of gospel doctrines and should mark the preaching of the gospel (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) [5]. When contentious individuals persist in argument despite clear reasoning, the Apostle Paul indicates that sometimes it is best to cease disputation, as enough has been said for those genuinely seeking truth [7].
The focus on biblical examples and teachings helps maintain theological purity and prevents the introduction of ideas that might lead to offense or misunderstanding. For example, the wicked often take offense at Christ's humble status, His identity as the cornerstone, or the necessity of inward purity (Isaiah 53:1-3; Matthew 13:54-57; 1 Corinthians 1:23) [2]. Introducing non-biblical concepts can inadvertently create similar stumbling blocks or dilute the unique message of the gospel. The emphasis should remain on the "stewardship of God which is with faith" [4], grounded in the revealed word.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Offence — Occasions of, must arrive -- Mt 18:7. Occasions of, forbidden -- 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3. Persecution, a cause of, to mere professors -- Mt 13:21; 24:10; 26:31. The wicked take, at The low station of Christ. -- Isa 53:1-3; Mt 13:54-57. Christ, as the corner-stone. -- Isa 8:14; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. Christ, as the bread of life. -- Joh 6:58-61. Christ crucified. -- 1Co 1:23; Ga 5:11. The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 9:32. The necessity of inward purity. -- Mt 15:11,12. Blessedness of not taking, at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Saints warned against taking -- Joh 16:1. Saints ”
- Colossians “Colossians 2:8 (Webster) — Beware lest any man make a prey of you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (Rotherham) — Not to be teaching otherwise, nor yet to be giving heed to stories and endless genealogies,—the which, bring, arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith;—”
- 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; ”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 11:15: But if any man seem to be contentious,.... That is, if anyone will not be satisfied with reasons given, for men's praying and prophesying with their heads uncovered, and women's praying and prophesying with their heads covered; but will go on to raise objections, and continue carping and cavilling, showing that they contend not for truth, but victory, can they but obtain it any way; for my part, as if the apostle should say, I shall not think it worth my while to continue the dispute any longer; enough has been said to satisfy any wise and good man, anyone tha”