Whenever we get into a discussion investigating traditional Christian teachings against the plain text reading of the Bible, someone plays the blasphemy card. So I want to look at whether that is a valid claim.
Within the plain text of the Bible, does God/Jesus make it clear that it is wrong or blasphemous to check out the veracity of a religious teaching?
Mark 3:28-30
"Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin "-- because they were saying, "He has an unclean spirit."
Even speaking against Jesus if forgivable.
Matthew 12:32
"Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
But when Christians question a religious teaching by checking it against the plain text of the Bible, they are not speaking against God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. If they disagree with the teaching, they are disagreeing with the teachings of man.
Blasphemy or slander carries the meaning of speaking a falsehood about someone.
In Matthew the Pharisees were comparing Jesus to the ruler of the demons, which is not a true statement.
Matthew 12:24
But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons."
In Mark, they claimed Jesus was an unclean spirit, which again is untrue.
Given the religious turmoil of the first century, Paul’s words to
not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21) was very good advice for his audience. Is it any less important for us to examine everything carefully today, especially since we are so far removed from the event and the authors?
Comparing teachings or claims against the plain text is not rebelling against God or the teachings of Jesus. If the plain text reading does not agree with the teachings or claims of today, again not rebelling against God or the teachings of Jesus.
To be blasphemy or slander, the Christian would have to proclaim something false or contrary to what the plain text is saying.
Bible Study is my preference.
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