BIBLE: No absolute authority

In a recent letter to the editor we are admonished to avoid cherry-picking the Bible for verses to support a particular point of view. In this I agree with the author, who then proceeds to cherry-pick the Bible to support a particular point of view. The author overlooks some Biblical verses which stand in sharp contrast to the moral authority they wished to espouse.  

At the risk of being accused of cherry-picking myself, let me offer the stories of Lot and his wife and his daughters in Genesis 19, which should trouble every reader. One might also look into the writings of the Apostle Paul, which many consider misogynist. And that’s the point: The Bible is not particularly consistent in matters of contemporary morality and ethics — and so it can have no absolute authority. This was recognized by the Founders in the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment — which could be interpreted as consistent with Matthew 22, Mark 12, and Luke 20.

Shakespeare put it well in his play “The Merchant of Venice” when Antonio says, “The Devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.” Similarly, in formal debate there is a fallacy known as “the appeal to authority.” If I said, “This thing is true because I say it is” no sensible person would accept it. And yet, that is exactly what those, who cite Scripture for their purpose, do.

JOHN D. SAHR

Otis Orchards, Wash.