Should we cite Scripture to unbelievers? There is a school of thought which claims that it is a waste of time. In fact, I was once informed that it is a form of arrogance to quote Scripture to unbelievers.
A little memory rant…
Some years ago I participated in a discussion on Amazon about Paramahansa Yogananda’s two-volume work, The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ in You. The work had gotten praise from yoga advocates, and a professing Christian pastor who planned to source Yogananda’s thoughts for an upcoming sermon.
I responded to the pastor in particular, warning him that Yogananda’s “Christ” was no Christ. That “Christ” was a so-called ascended master who possessed “Christ Consciousness” available to Yogananda’s devotees. Along the way I began to cite Scripture proclaiming Christ’s true identity.
Remarkably, I was taken to task by an “Orthodox Christian” who called me arrogant for quoting the Bible to unbelievers, expecting them to understand it. It’s notable that the Catholic, Greek and Russian Orthodox traditions emphasize the Magisterium over Scripture.
I noted that, in his work, unbeliever Yogananda cited over 1000 Bible verses. So, in praising him, my critic wasn’t being consistent. Moreover, given the guru denied Christ’s true identity and the Trinity, my critic and the pastor were enabling a dangerous false teacher.
It is incumbent that we Christians use God’s Word to reach the lost and expose its misuse.
Peter Goeman
In the link below, Peter Goeman addresses an article by Catholic Matt Walsh which bears some similarity to my experience.
Is there any benefit in quoting the Bible to someone who doesn’t believe the Bible? On the surface, it seems counter-intuitive. Why would we appeal to the Bible as authority if someone does not recognize that authority? For many Christians, if someone does not recognize the Bible as being from God they will try to argue for God in other ways. But I would propose that Christians not only can quote the Bible to unbelievers, but they should quote the Bible to unbelievers.
An example of a hesitancy to quote the Bible comes form Matt Walsh, conservative blogger and devout Catholic, entitled, “When Christians Shouldn’t Quote the Bible.” In his article, he made a fairly bold statement…continue reading
Scripture
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Rom 1:19-20
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17
Maranatha
Further reading
The Five Solas of the Reformation
Scripture Contains God’s Word?
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