Content and Context

 

 

Which influences which

Regarding content and context?

Turn it the wrong way around

And it becomes a pretext.

 

In the study of the Word

As it relates to many doctrines

There is an abundance of pretext

That gives rise to sin.

 

So, let’s get it right!

Which influences which?

For in so doing, my friend,

What’s wrong can be fixed.

 

Content is denominational:

This is what the Bible says,

As such, context mightn’t matter

It’s where the content lays.

 

Judas went and hanged himself;

Go thou and do likewise,

You can find both in the Bible

But content alone is unwise.

 

 

Context influences content;

As a matter of fact, it should,

It should not be taken literally

When Jesus says drink my blood.

 

 The context here is vital

In understanding the content,

Without the context influence

We lost the content’s intent.

 

With God all things are possible

This is not contextually true,

Regarding God’s nature

Some things, He will never do.

 

Some use the Bible’s content

To okay preferential practices,

If it were in fact practical

I could recount a lengthy list.

 

Suffice it to be stated, however,

That’s not this poem’s intent

But rather, ignoring the vital context

Taints the presenting content.

 

We are careful everyday

Regarding the containers we use

And the nature of the product

Decides the container we choose.

 

 

However, pertaining to the Word,

There is a critical contrast,

Context influences content

Thus, making an easier task.

 

Context influences content:

Not the other way around,

And to expostulate re the latter

Would turn it upside down.

 

Stewart Russell © September 15, 2022