Why do religious people cherry pick the Bible? Is that how God intended his book to be read?

The Bible is a complex and multifaceted text, full of different genres, styles, and voices. It is no surprise, then, that different people interpret the Bible in different ways. One common criticism of religious people is that they “cherry pick” the Bible, selecting the verses that support their positions and ignoring the rest. But is this how God intended his book to be read?

The answer to this question is not straightforward. On the one hand, it is true that many religious people do cherry pick the Bible, selecting only the verses that support their positions and ignoring the rest. This is often done in the service of a particular agenda or ideology, such as opposing abortion or supporting traditional gender roles. This approach to the Bible is problematic because it ignores the larger context of the text and can lead to a distorted and incomplete understanding of its message.

On the other hand, it is also true that different parts of the Bible have different purposes and were written for different audiences. For example, the book of Leviticus contains many laws and regulations that were specifically designed for the ancient Israelites, and may not be applicable to modern readers. Similarly, the letters of Paul were written to specific communities of early Christians and address specific issues that were relevant to them. Understanding the historical context of these texts is crucial for understanding their meaning.

So, does God intend for his book to be read in a selective way? The answer, it seems, is both yes and no. On the one hand, it is important to read the Bible in its entirety and to understand the larger context of the text. On the other hand, it is also important to recognize that different parts of the Bible have different purposes and were written for different audiences. Ultimately, the key is to approach the Bible with an open mind and a willingness to engage with its complexity and nuance.