I Must Be Getting Old and Cranky

Is it just me, or is there an increase in pathetic misquoting of scripture out there? Has it always been this bad? Have I just never noticed?

It started last Christmas when a Christian friend sent us an e-card. The scripture on the card was "He was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light". (John 5:35). Very nice, except that it's Christmas and the verse is talking about John the Baptist.

Next, there was a Christian giftware company that distributed a line of gifts bearing the verse "...You have blessed the work of his hands..." (Job 2:10). Also very nice, but it's Satan talking and he's dissing Job. Do you want that hanging on your wall?

Then I heard a prominent TV pastor quote the verse, "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses that I have set before you life and prosperity... Now choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19) You can look that one up for yourself. I just get mad.

Today I picked up a flyer from a large Christian retail chain that had on the front in lovely artwork, "Let your light shine before everyone, so that God's colours might be seen everywhere in the world, bringing glory to your Father in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16). Complete with scripture reference. Except it's not scripture and Jesus never said it. It's vague spiritual mush instead of a passionate command to make a difference in the world.

Is it just me? Or has it always been this bad? It's been said that of the major world religions, Christians are the least familiar with their holy writings.

Well, duh.

r

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Worth A Thousand Pictures

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