Bias

In my last post, I discussed how life often has variables, like a science experiment. This post will be using the same analogy of the experiment, but will be focusing on the effect of bias rather than variables and constants. Bias is when the experimenter only sees what he wants/expects to see. In this case, the results of the experiment can be interpreted in a way that is not necessarily accurate. We can also be biased when it comes to studying the scripture. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul warns that “the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

The way this most often manifests itself is when Christians search the scriptures in order to support already established doctrine. This can also extend to a more personal level where one can find a scripture to support a decision that they already want to make. It is easy to do this without even realizing it. When you really want something, you can look at Psalm 37:4, which says “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart,” but that is not necessarily God’s will. I actually have a personal example of this (any Razorbacks fan will probably particularly enjoy this).

A few weeks ago, the Arkansas Razorbacks played the Texas Longhorns. Before the game started, I was forming an argument to get people to side with Texas. I figured the scriptures would be the most convincing thing to quote, and there are some good passages to support my argument! However, it shows the importance of context and not using the Bible to support any preconceived notions.

One of my main arguments came from the first part of Matthew 7:6, which says “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” I said that, in the case of this game, one’s allegiance is their pearl. But because I was only looking for support for my argument, I didn’t pay any attention to the rest of the verse, which says “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Looking back, I can think that maybe the team you want to win is your pearl, and that I could’ve been prepared for the outcome had I not been trying to support the conclusion that I wanted. However, this is a subject that I really don’t want to talk about and I will just say that to use scripture to discuss football at all is taking it out of context.

This subject raises a particular question that I have asked and have been asked many times: “how can I tell the difference between what God is saying and my own selfish desire?” I still have not found a good answer to it because selfish desire could really make one think that it is what God wants. I think that there are several things that must be done in order for this to happen, but it still is not foolproof. Going into the scripture with an open mind to what the author intended for his audience to read is probably at the core of the solution to this problem. Prayer is a good way to open your mind in this way. But like I already said, I don’t have the perfect answer. If anyone has a better answer, comment on this post and I will take it into consideration and may even write another post on this subject.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2