Why Christians Pick and Atheists Don't: A Misunderstanding of Biblical Interpretation

Often, Christians are accused of selectively picking which parts of the Bible to believe, and then being upset when atheists do the same. This accusation is based on a misunderstanding of both Christian principles and biblical interpretation.

Christian Principles and Selective Belief

For Christians, true faith involves a holistic acceptance of the Bible's teachings, not a selective approach. Any Christian who believes only certain parts of the Bible is, by most definitions, not truly a Christian. Instead, they fall into a trap:

A non-Christian who finds fragments of Biblical verses that align with their personal beliefs. A confused Christian who interprets the Bible selectively based on personal preferences rather than a consistent spiritual journey.

While Christians sometimes discuss specific doctrines and their applications, the core beliefs center around the concept of God's love and commandments of love, not arbitrary rules.

Biblical Interpretation and Jesus' Teachings

To truly understand the Bible, Christians often refer to Jesus' own words on interpretation. In Mark 12:28ff, Jesus teaches:

“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, ‘Which commandment is the most important of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.’”

Biblical laws, particularly in the Old Testament, are meant to be interpreted through the lens of love to God and fellow humans, rather than as strict, inflexible rules. This principle is further emphasized in the New Testament, especially in Acts 10 and the Council of Jerusalem.

Examples of Biblical Interpretation

In the book of Acts, chapter 10, Peter is instructed that the laws of kashrut do not apply to interactions with Gentiles, and this freedom is extended to eating the same food. The Council of Jerusalem, as described in Acts 15, led to a very reduced set of laws being imposed on Gentile Christians. This is in direct contrast to Peter's behavior as recorded in Galatians 2:11ff, where he called Peter "Cephas" and rebuked him for obeying the letter of the Torah, breaking the law of love for neighbor.

Period of Selective Belief and Human Flaw

It is unfair to accuse Christians of selective belief when it is also a common practice among atheists to cherry-pick Biblical verses that fit their narrative. This selective belief often stems from not having read and understood the Bible from a Christian perspective, especially texts that are uncomfortable to confront, such as teachings on commitment to Christ or personal sin.

While Christians may overlook parts of the Bible, this is a common human flaw. It is easier to address ambiguous passages rather than those that challenge personal beliefs. As with all people, Christians will also make mistakes in interpreting and applying the scriptures. However, a gentle and constructive approach can lead to improved understanding and application in the future.

Ultimately, whether Christian or atheist, the key is to engage in open and respectful dialogue based on a comprehensive understanding of the Bible's core messages: love and compassion.