Hook, Line and Sinker

Let’s examine a metaphor concerning our dear friends the Bible beaters. A metaphor is a phrase that is used to parallel similar behavior concerning a different action. It represents that action with commonly understood terms. Hook, line and sinker is a fishing term that implies that when the fish takes the bait, he takes the whole rig. Not just the bait but the actual mechanism that snares him. The hook grabs you and doesn’t let go; the line is the connection to “string puller” and the sinker is the device that puts the hook just at the right depth where the fish are feeding. The metaphor generally refers to a gullible person who only requires a taste of the facts to believe the whole wad, without scrutinizing the idea or thought presented. It means that this person does not think their way through by examining all of the facts. Like in the story of Adam and Eve, one bite of the apple was just as dangerous as eating the entire apple.

This being said, I would like to evaluate my recent commenter’s (Daniel, Ron and Gary) attacks on me concerning my ‘interpretation” of the Word. True Christians are known by their fruits. Each one of us operates at a level of awareness. As my philosophy professor once said, “Most people don’t think, they emotionally react.” We’ve all been there at one time or another. Generally speaking, if someone is dumb they are lacking intelligence or good judgment. This doesn’t mean that they are a bad person; they might just be acting badly. The converse of this is a bright person who is quick-witted and clever. A stupid person is one who lacks the ordinary quickness and keenness of mind; a person that doesn’t completely recognize, is foolish or senseless about what’s going on in his immediate environment. Again, they might just be acting badly. The converse of this is a smart person who recognizes the facts in his environment and uses quick intelligence and mental capability to engage and respond to his environment. An ignorant person is one who is uninformed, unaware or simply lacking in knowledge or training about a certain subject. The converse is an educated person, whether formally schooled or not, who has taken the time to educate himself/herself enough to display qualities of culture and learning. This education is based on information and/or experience. Knowledge requires an understanding of information learned and wisdom requires an understanding of the knowledge one has obtained.

A person’s mental acuity is not the only aspect or area of development that a human being embraces. There are physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects to take into consideration when a person makes a statement or interpretation. For example, some people may be very developed in some areas and not so developed in others. Again this doesn’t mean that they are bad; it could just be that they are acting badly. If they emotionally react instead of thinking things through to a logical conclusion, it reveals a quality of discernment. Discernment is directly tied to judgment. Judgment is the considered evaluation of evidence in the formation of making a decision. Evidence is weighed or adjudicated based on the facts and/or eyewitness testimony. According to some passages of the Bible, people will receive their reward (heaven) or punishment (hell) as a result of God’s reflection, study and resolving of your performance in this life.

In my articles I have mentioned several times the metaphor, “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” It basically means to take caution when throwing out things that you think you don’t need or that are unnecessary, because you might throw out something that is important as well. Originating from a 15th century German satire, this saying was used by Martin Luther, the founder of the Protestant movement. One of the tenets of Protestantism is the infallibility of the Bible as it stands. Remember what kind of man Martin Luther was. Other faculties are necessary when understanding the Word. Throwing out logic and imagination can lead to a complete misunderstanding of the Word.

As for Daniel, he keeps badgering me with his Britannica definition of the word apostasy. I responded to him with the source that I used and yet, that wasn’t good enough. An apostate is one who forsakes his religion or cause and takes up one that he believes is true. My point about Paul and his teachings. Ron battled me over the verses about homosexuality, failing to see my point. Finally, Gary completely dismissed my interpretation as one that came from complete ignorance. Instead of going and doing the research that I did, they chose to attack my position with forthrightness and attitude. So be it. I responded to them, and yes, sometimes harshly. Why? Because the only way the truth is revealed is through conscientious debate and not posturing. Opening one’s mind to the possibilities that what you have been repeatedly taught might not be true can be harrowing at times. I understand their frustration; that’s why I read the red. However, from where I stand I choose to question anyone who contradicts what Jesus said. What he said and what Paul said are PART of the Bible as it now stands. If one chooses to believe everything in it and believe it hook, line and sinker, then please, please, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Pray for guidance and understanding before you ridicule and posture your viewpoint as the only correct one. In my writings I offer what I believe to be true. Not once have I ever said that it is an absolute truth. If you don’t like what I say then go about your merry way and read what you want to believe; hook, line and sinker.

For more info: Download my free Wilmington Spirituality Examiner toolbar. “Life is a gift. Be thankful for it and it will be replete with abundance. Encourage others to express creativity, release negativity and embrace pro-activity." ©2009 Dean A. Banks, MCIWD, DD can be reached at webproducer@hotmail.com or banksnet.com. Download my free eBook on Articles 1-10 here.