Scriptural “un” or “anti”
By Ken Blue
Some preachers are slick as a Philadelphia lawyer. Others are simply followers. In former days when one said a behavior or teaching was un-scriptural he understood it was contrary to the clear teaching of the Word of God and not acceptable. In fact, the prefix “un” means not. So, un-scriptural meant an action or teaching was not scriptural or acceptable. However, another word has been resurrected to counter that idea. That word is, anti-scriptural. The prefix, “anti” means opposed.
This allows us to justify everything we approve or condemn. I may argue that soundtracks are not un-scriptural because there is not a Bible verse that specifically deals with that subject. But, another may counter saying, “they are anti-scriptural because they are worldly, thus we are opposed to them.” If I say there are no musical instruments forbidden in Scripture, the anti-scriptural argument will show that men of the world use them, and we oppose them.
Another example is having screens and Power Point. By accusing those churches of becoming movie theaters, they are like the world and therefore are anti-scriptural.
[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]By using the argument that a thing is or is not anti-scriptural, one can slip anything under the door, or block it as they please.[/pullquote]
At Open Door we install an espresso stand, and tables so members could visit and fellowship after the services. Since opponents could not find a Bible verse condemning it as un-scriptural, they deemed it as anti-scriptural since the world has established espresso stands everywhere. That’s how it works?
By using the argument that a thing is or is not anti-scriptural, I can slip anything under the door, or block it as I please. I am sure that many of the brethren who use this argument have not thought it through.
Therefore, we may say an action is not un-scriptural, because there is not a verse against it. However, another may counter by saying, it is anti-scriptural because we oppose it.
A few examples of how the anti-scriptural can be used when there is no specific verse making it un-scriptural. Are the Scriptures opposed to the following?
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Coffee and diet Coke.
- Driving over the speed limit.
- Hunting to kill animals for sport.
- Gambling and playing cards.
- Spending money on sports and entertainment.
I’m sure that each person will decide for himself what is anti-scriptural. That’s what others do, and that statement is neither un or anti.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.