proof-texting
Selective scripture citing
Proof-texting is citing isolated passages from a text—usually the Bible—to support an argument without regard for their original context.
The practice cherry-picks verses that seem to back a position while ignoring surrounding material that might complicate or contradict it: That's just proof-texting; you're ignoring everything else Paul wrote.
The term is almost always pejorative, implying intellectual dishonesty or sloppy reasoning.
Choosing only supporting examples
- decontextualizationRemoval from original setting
- misinterpretationIncorrect understanding of meaning
- exegesisCritical textual interpretation
- hermeneuticalPertaining to interpretation theory
concordance · interpretation · misapplication · contextualization · theology · apologetics · fundamentalism · inerrancy
Choosing only supporting examples
- misrepresentationFalse or misleading statement
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- propagandaBiased information for influence
- distortionTwisting from original state
fallacy · quotation · tendentious · spin · sophistry · polemics · argumentation · debate
Religious teaching guide
- dogmaUnchallengeable official beliefs
- orthodoxyAdherence to accepted beliefs
- denominationalRelating to religious sects
- sectarianRigidly devoted to faction
creedal · confessional · propositional · apologetics · indoctrination · teaching · doctrine · tradition
cherry-picking
Choosing only supporting examples
- decontextualizationRemoval from original setting
- misinterpretationIncorrect understanding of meaning
- exegesisCritical textual interpretation
hermeneutical · concordance · interpretation · misapplication · contextualization · theology · apologetics · fundamentalism · inerrancy · doctrinal
cherry-picking
Choosing only supporting examples
- misrepresentationFalse or misleading statement
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- propagandaBiased information for influence
distortion · fallacy · quotation · tendentious · spin · sophistry · polemics · argumentation · debate · persuasion
catechism
Religious teaching guide
- dogmaUnchallengeable official beliefs
- orthodoxyAdherence to accepted beliefs
- denominationalRelating to religious sects
sectarian · creedal · confessional · propositional · apologetics · indoctrination · teaching · doctrine · tradition · authority
- biblical studieshistorical criticism, scriptural study, biblical narratives, Hebrew Bible, Pentateuch
- theologyecclesiology, eschatology, Christology, God, dogmatics
proof-textingfair representation
Accurate proportional inclusion
proof, proofs, proofed, proofing, proofer, proofread, proofreader, proofreading, bulletproof