Context Matters

I was scrolling through my Instagram feed this morning, taking a mental break, and I stumbled on a video of an interview with the actor Keanu Reeves.  

I'm not going to be shy about the fact that I have had a man crush on Keanu for quite a few years, largely due to his John Wick movies and how he conducts himself with the public and the press. 

Reeves is a genuinely soft-spoken, thoughtful, caring person known for dropping remarkable wisdom in his interviews when he's asked about his philosophies on life, the universe, and everything. 

In the video I watched, Reeves offered the following quote, which caught my attention: 

"There's this quote by Oscar Wilde I stumbled upon that says, 'Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. ' Beautiful, isn't it? A reminder that we're all unfinished stories, scarred by our mistakes yet redeemed by the hope of what's to come."

Reeves' interpretation of the quote is, as he describes it, a beautiful one.  For those of us who may look back on our past mistakes as somehow disqualifying, it's life-giving and hopeful to know that despite them, we have a future.  

This resonates with me, and there are more than a few people out there who experience the same.  For those who want to follow Jesus, there's more than a word of hope in that quote and Reeve's commentary; there's life.  

But when you read that quote in its context, there's a different perspective that is revealed.  

The quote that Reeves mentioned comes from a play by Wilde entitled "A Woman of No Importance" and is delivered by Lord Illingworth, a rich playboy committed to a life of pleasure.  

Lord Illingworth responds to criticism of his lifestyle by declaring that "Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future," as a cynical take to justify his pursuit of pleasure for pleasure's sake.  

It was meant as a takedown of those who act "saintly" despite their sinful past and a celebration of those who eschew sainthood for a future of revelry.  

So, why am I acting as spoilsport and offering the context of the quote, and the intent of the author, which runs opposite of the way most of us would want to interpret it? 

It's to make the following point: 

Taking a quote out of context to shore up an idea (even a good one) is complicated.  

In my line of work, this is perhaps most applicable to the Bible.  When we extract quotes or Bible verses to fit our personal views, we risk distorting their original meaning and intent. 

This can lead to misunderstandings that misrepresent the teachings and create a slippery slope toward justifying behaviors that may not align with the core, Jesus-centered values we desire to uphold. 

Even when an out-of-context verse or quote can be interpreted to uphold those values, it's important we keep from going down that road.  The logical end of that kind of thinking is a pick-and-choose kind of faith that lacks integrity.  

The Bible, with its rich narratives and complex messages, calls for careful interpretation and critical thinking. As followers of Christ, it is imperative that we approach Scripture not just to find validation for our beliefs but to engage with it deeply and thoughtfully. 

Each passage has historical, cultural, and literary contexts that inform its intended message. By studying the Bible critically, we can uncover its profound truths, applying them in a way that honors their original purpose and enhances our spiritual growth.

One way to ensure we're interpreting verses accurately is to examine them within their broader context—looking at the surrounding verses, understanding the audience to whom they were addressed, and considering the overarching themes of Scripture as a whole. 

We should not simply cherry-pick verses that resonate with our feelings at the moment but strive to immerse ourselves in the entire narrative.

Ultimately, engaging with the Bible critically encourages us to foster a genuine relationship with the text, leading us toward deeper insights, more meaningful discussions, and a faith that is robust enough to withstand the complexities of life. 

By doing so, we not only gain clarity but also cultivate a transformative understanding that shapes our worldview for the better.

May we never be afraid to read the Bible critically and have our own interpretations challenged as a result.  May we see this as an act of faithful discipleship. 

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us now and forever. Amen.