The Rescue
“Does the Bible really say that?”
Uses and misuses of the Bible
Photo: Ricardo Resende
The Rescue Meter
“Does the Bible really say that?” This and other questions will be answered for each post on this page. Following a tradition that started with the early work of the Jesus Seminar, the answer will not be a simple “Yes” or “No.” After hearing and discussing research presentations, scholars vote to indicate degrees of agreement about important research questions. Scholars vote using colored beads. Red means “Yes.” Pink means “Probably.” Gray means “Probably not.” Black means “No.”
Spare the Rod? Does the Bible Tell You to Beat Your Child?
Spanking advocates use Proverbs 13:24 as a proof text & command not to “spare the rod” in child-rearing, but beating is not required to nurture discipline.
Is the Bible a Weapon?
Weaponizing the bible, using proof texts as ammunition, rejects the Bible as a source of deeper meaning and connection.