How Should Christians Approach Issues That Are Not Directly Addressed In the Bible?
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In a culture that emphasizes moral relativism, Christians now more than ever need real answers. |
It can be difficult for Christians to agree on issues where there is no direct reference in the scriptures. Questions such as is it a sin for a Christian to have tattoos, smoke, join fraternities and sororities, or whether to go to a night club or a casino are often hotly debated among believers because they are not directly addressed in the Bible. Christians are now even beginning to question whether cohabitation is wrong because there is no mention of it in the Bible. As believers we are likely to be confronted, more often than not by our own children, with these and other questions regarding issues commonly referred to as “gray areas”. In a culture that emphasizes moral relativism, Christians now more than ever need real answers. The aim of this study is to examine these “gray areas” in light of relevant Bible passages and from them draw logical conclusions and thus equip the believer with sound Biblical principles that should always govern where we stand on any issue. However, we strive to avoid proof texting so as not to draw unwarranted conclusions such as citing Leviticus 19:28 as Biblical proof prohibiting tattoos or Jeremiah 10:1-5 as Biblical proof prohibiting Christmas trees. When making an argument from the Bible one must be careful not to make a bad argument as this will certainly destroy one’s credibility (see 2 Timothy 2:15).
When approaching any issue that has no direct reference in the Bible we will use as a premise the Biblical principles found in 1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful unto me but I will not be brought under the power of any”, and 1 Corinthians 10:23 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not”. From the aforementioned scripture references we can logically conclude that just because there is no Biblical prohibition against something does not make it justifiable for the Christian. When considering our engaging or participating in anything that may be considered a “gray area” we must consider how it affects us as well as others.
When approaching any issue that has no direct reference in the Bible we will use as a premise the Biblical principles found in 1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful unto me but I will not be brought under the power of any”, and 1 Corinthians 10:23 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not”. From the aforementioned scripture references we can logically conclude that just because there is no Biblical prohibition against something does not make it justifiable for the Christian. When considering our engaging or participating in anything that may be considered a “gray area” we must consider how it affects us as well as others.
We must ask ourselves:
1. Will it hurt my influence/witness as a Christian? (see 1 Corinthians 11:16)
2. Will it be a stumbling block for others? (see Mark 9:42-50)
3. Will it have a negative impact on my walk with Christ? (see 2 Corinthians 6:14, 7:1)
2. Will it be a stumbling block for others? (see Mark 9:42-50)
3. Will it have a negative impact on my walk with Christ? (see 2 Corinthians 6:14, 7:1)
