Christian Denominations and Literal Bible Interpretation: The Westboro Baptist Church Case
Christian Denominations and Literal Bible Interpretation: The Westboro Baptist Church Case
Often discussed in the context of aggressive public displays and confrontations, the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) is a notable case in the realm of literal Bible interpretation. However, even as they claim to follow the Bible's teachings to the letter, their practices deviate significantly from many other Christian denominations.
Why WBC Does Not Follow the Bible Literally
The Westboro Baptist 'Church' is not what it claims to be. Instead, it is a family of lawyers who strategically exploit legal mechanisms to sue small towns. This raises the question: do they truly follow the Bible?
Let's examine a few key aspects. Firstly, scamming small towns is not a practice found in Biblical teachings. Their actions to provoke, sue, and garner media attention are modern methods devoid of traditional religious principles.
The Bible itself is filled with verses that mandate severe penalties for a wide range of behaviors, from blasphemy and adultery to homosexuality. Prominent verses include:
Deuteronomy 17:12, Killing people who don’t listen to priests. Exodus 22:17, Killing witches. Leviticus 20:13, Killing homosexuals. Leviticus 20:27, Killing fortunetellers. Exodus 21:15, Killing those who hit their father or mother. Proverbs 20:20, Killing those who curse parents. Leviticus 20:10, Killing for adultery. Leviticus 21:9, Killing priest’s adulterous daughters. Exodus 22:19, Killing followers of other religions. Kings 2:23, Killing those who tease prophets. 2 Chronicles 15:12, Killing those who reject the Lord. 1 Samuel 15:3, Mass murder for disobeying God. Zechariah 13:3, Killing false prophets. Numbers 15:32, Killing those who work on the Sabbath.These verses are clearly not in line with the contemporized message of Christ, who taught love and forgiveness:
If one curses his father or mother, his lamp will go out at the coming of darkness. All who curse their father or mother must be put to death. — Proverbs 20:20
Jesus taught:
But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; and whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. — Matthew 5:22
The conflict lies in the interpretation of Biblical principles in a modern context. While WBC emphasizes literal interpretation, their actions fall short of moral and ethical standards, showcasing a selective and often manipulative approach to scripture.
Other Christian Denominations and Literal Interpretation
Many Evangelical Protestant denominations claim to follow the Bible literally. However, the true essence of Christianity often transcends strict, rigid interpretations. For instance, the practice of baptism:
Baptism is a core component of many Protestant denominations, yet there is variation in how it is performed, whether through immersion or sprinkling. Most Baptists and other conservative denominations believe in full immersion, seeing it as a more literal interpretation. However, sprinkling is also effective, and both practices are typically accepted within the broader Christian framework.
Another key aspect is the methodology of interpreting scripture. Many scholars and theologians believe in a balanced approach, considering both the literal and allegorical meanings of the text. The Bible is a complex document with layers of meaning, and different denominations may emphasize different aspects.
Conclusion
The idea of following the Bible literally, as exemplified by WBC, is a controversial and often misinterpreted concept. While some Christian denominations may claim literal adherence, their practices and interpretations often align more with contemporary ethical standards. True literalism must balance with love, forgiveness, and understanding, ensuring that every interpretation is grounded in a holistic and compassionate view of the text.