When does Scripture not apply in our daily lives?

[Verisimilitude]

I don’t want to argue the specifics here but I have had three Catholics tell me specifically, and a few others tacitly in one way or other say God, Scripture/parables do not apply to Catholics/Christians today.

When discussing the security of America I was told God is ‘not really’ considered in the ethics of what we should do.

When discussing the war in Iraq I was told Jesus’ parables are not applicable in our dealings with those we are fighting and they are not relevant today.

Having differing ideas and interpretations of the Patriot Act, Military Commisions Act, the impetus of the WOT, taxes, Islam and terrorism…is all fine and good but my thought is if I don’t use Scripture as my foundation to decide my position on these things I will use something else.

I am not a pacifist in the traditional sense where I am unwilling to protect myself or my country, nor am I an isolationist that wants to close myself (America) off to the world because of the many dangers out there, but if I take to heart the example of Christ and the Gospels I cannot see myself publicly supporting such things as an offensive war be it for a national interest or the perceived threats from belacose dictators. If I believe the command to not be afraid, to trust God in His providence, to love my neighbor as myslef, and to turn the other cheek I could not publicly support actions that not only go against the intent of our America’s civil law, but which seem contrary to Gods law.

I am told we fight in Iraq because we are a good and noble people freeing millions from tyranny and the deaths and debt are worth it. I am told to quietly accept the new restrictions/oversight placed upon us with regard to travel, communications, and privacy rights because the threat is greater than ever before.

I have a sense that a new ideology in America has taken root in that government has surpassed religion as a moral force as long as all religions are watered down and toothless. With many Catholics in public office that support abortion for political reasons, and many more that support this war and the excessive taxes I am personally opposed to for civil as well as religious reasons; am I out of step with things or are they?

 

[juliamajor]

I don’t want to argue the specifics here but I have had three Catholics tell me specifically, and a few others tacitly in one way or other say God, Scripture/parables do not apply to Catholics/Christians today.

When discussing the security of America I was told God is ‘not really’ considered in the ethics of what we should do.

When discussing the war in Iraq I was told Jesus’ parables are not applicable in our dealings with those we are fighting and they are not relevant today.

Having differing ideas and interpretations of the Patriot Act, Military Commisions Act, the impetus of the WOT, taxes, Islam and terrorism…is all fine and good but my thought is if I don’t use Scripture as my foundation to decide my position on these things I will use something else.

I am not a pacifist in the traditional sense where I am unwilling to protect myself or my country, nor am I an isolationist that wants to close myself (America) off to the world because of the many dangers out there, but if I take to heart the example of Christ and the Gospels I cannot see myself publicly supporting such things as an offensive war be it for a national interest or the perceived threats from belacose dictators. If I believe the command to not be afraid, to trust God in His providence, to love my neighbor as myslef, and to turn the other cheek I could not publicly support actions that not only go against the intent of our America’s civil law, but which seem contrary to Gods law.

I am told we fight in Iraq because we are a good and noble people freeing millions from tyranny and the deaths and debt are worth it. I am told to quietly accept the new restrictions/oversight placed upon us with regard to travel, communications, and privacy rights because the threat is greater than ever before.

I have a sense that a new ideology in America has taken root in that government has surpassed religion as a moral force as long as all religions are watered down and toothless. With many Catholics in public office that support abortion for political reasons, and many more that support this war and the excessive taxes I am personally opposed to for civil as well as religious reasons; am I out of step with things or are they?

Scripture applies because morality applies-always. Whoever told you this should be made to read the Gospels and prophets several times. You have to try to blend civil law and religious morality- but if they conflict always err on the side of God.

 

[rcjones]

Scripture applies because morality applies-always. Whoever told you this should be made to read the Gospels and prophets several times. You have to try to blend civil law and religious morality- but if they conflict always err on the side of God.

Yes… And you should stop listening to people who tell you stuff and listen to what God says.

Ro 3:4 …let God be true, but every man a liar…

Jer 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

 

[jprioli]

Verisimilitude:

Do the Scriptures apply today? Without a doubt.

But an important facet of the question is: How do we apply them?

Jesus says, “To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt.” (Luke 6:29)

But he also says, “If the owner of the house had known when the thief was coming, he would have stood watch, and not let his house be broken into.” (paraphrase from memory, Luke 12ish)

Same evangelist. Same Christ. Different contexts, of course, and to different purposes. But the point is that we need to be cautious about jumping to conclusions when we use Scripture to inform our judgment about contemporary issues.

Yes, it applies. Yes, Scripture speaks to contemporary issues in its timeless voice. But we must listen to all of Scripture, and the Church which has preserved it, patiently.

Regards,
Joe

 

[Malachi4U]

If these “Catholics” you refer to went to mass daily then they might have answered differently. The Catholic mass has more Sacred Scripture in it than any other Christian denomination I know of. The Catholic mass is Scripture brought to life in the present. Catholics are immeresed in Scripture and the sad thing is, so many of them don’t realize it!

Scripture - Gods Word - applies to us every day. God does not Change and niether does His Word. That is why so many call the Catholic Church “old fashioned”, because it sticks to Gods unchangeing Word in a world where some “christians” in the world change morals and values faster than changing winds.

 

[tobinatorstark]

there is never a time when scripture doesn’t apply. It always applies. Every Answer to every question can be obtained from the scripture

 

[Verisimilitude]

But an important facet of the question is: How do we apply them?

I think maybe more importantly is why we don’t, but how they apply in my mind is in a catholic way; meaning, in a personal way. I am really just realizing this and far from living the Way so perfectly myself, but I won’t play ignorant to avoid my own hypocrisy when they arise publicly as in defending policy that is reasonably determined to be against the Christian ethic.

(Luke 6:29)

But he also says, “If the owner of the house had known when the thief was coming, he would have stood watch, and not let his house be broken into.” (paraphrase from memory, Luke 12ish)

It doesn’t suggest to me the owner is right/encouraged to go out of his house and over to the thief’s house to stop him before he tries to commit the crime. I know of no passage that would permit me to forcefully search all the homes in a city to find the thief to protect myself in an offensive way. Fear is not a justification and everything points to keeping ones own peace above all else and in all things. That is my understanding at least in any context.

Same evangelist. Same Christ. Different contexts, of course, and to different purposes. But the point is that we need to be cautious about jumping to conclusions when we use Scripture to inform our judgment about contemporary issues.

I believe the American Constitution to be unique in inspiration among most all other nations written secular law because of the influence of the Gospels in the men that wrote it. Our Declaration of Independence affirms Life and Liberty to be sacrosanct from God, and intended for each individual on the planet regardless of citizenship to any nation though the Founders are the ones declaring it for ourselves overtly. The Constitution should be our ally in ridding society of legalized abortion and to end unjust war while preserving the liberty of at the very least, American citizens.

Yes, it applies. Yes, Scripture speaks to contemporary issues in its timeless voice. But we must listen to all of Scripture, and the Church which has preserved it, patiently.

Regards,
Joe

I appreciate the thoughs Joe. Patience is what I am begining to lack, and I know Scripture pretty well. Personal shame should drive a Catholic politician to change their public opinion on abortion or leave the faith but they don’t care because government approves and non-Catholic society lauds them. Christ exhibited visable anger on one occasion while in the Temple because I think it struck to the core of an offense to God by being done in the name of God. Patience has limits.

 

[Mea_Culpa]

I don’t want to argue the specifics here but I have had three Catholics tell me specifically, and a few others tacitly in one way or other say God, Scripture/parables do not apply to Catholics/Christians today.

This is what happens with bad catechesis. Of course the Word of God applies today, yesterday, tomorrow, and throughout all time until the end of time. Catholics believe that Holy Scripture is the inspired Word of God. The people you are talking to are either very ignorant or heretics.