“One can justify pretty much whatever one wants to justify by scripture. What are you reading the Bible for? What are you trying to do with it? What is your theological-moral starting point? We all have one (or several). Be honest about it. It’s a bit frightening because suddenly you need to take responsibility for your readings and your conclusions. No more, ‘Well the Bible says X, so I have to believe/do X and so it’s not my fault.’ Own what you believe and how you act. What are you emphasizing? What are you prioritizing? Who is hurt by how you use the Bible? Who benefits from how you use the Bible? Christians, own a reading that is life-giving. Own a reading that leads to love, compassion, and care, especially for the most vulnerable and the most oppressed. And reject readings that lead to hatred and hurt and death.”

– Matthew Thiessen, on Twitter