Prooftext

A prooftext is a passage of scripture used to support a particular theological doctrine, moral position, or argument. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying that the passage is being taken out of context or misinterpreted to fit a pre-existing belief. Prooftexting involves selecting isolated verses or phrases from religious texts without considering their broader literary, historical, and theological context, effectively cherry-picking evidence to reinforce a point.

The practice is criticized because it can lead to a distorted understanding of the original text and its intended meaning. By ignoring the surrounding verses, the author's purpose, and the overall narrative, prooftexting risks creating an interpretation that is at odds with the text's message. This can result in a misrepresentation of the religious tradition itself.

The dangers of prooftexting are often emphasized in theological and hermeneutical studies, advocating for a more holistic and context-sensitive approach to interpreting sacred texts. Responsible interpretation considers factors such as the genre of the text, its historical setting, the author's intended audience, and the overall themes of the work. Conversely, prooftexting is viewed as a form of selective quoting that prioritizes confirming a pre-conceived notion over understanding the text itself.