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You have to understand that the Bible is really a library…

“You have to understand that the Bible is really a library of books and it has different categories of material. There are certain parts which you have to say no to. The Bible accepted slavery. St Paul said women should not speak in church at all and there are people who have used that to say women…” quote by Desmond Tutu
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“You have to understand that the Bible is really a library of books and it has different categories of material. There are certain parts which you have to say no to. The Bible accepted slavery. St Paul said women should not speak in church at all and there are people who have used that to say women should not be ordained. There are many things that you shouldn't accept.”

Desmond Tutu

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Recognize the Bible as a collection of diverse texts, some of which contain outdated or harmful teachings that should not be accepted today.

In simple terms: The Bible includes many ideas; some are no longer appropriate.

Key Takeaway

Critically evaluate religious texts and reject harmful doctrines.

Themes

criticality interpretation ethics religion

Mood

thoughtful critical hopeful

Type

ethical theological contemplative

When to use this quote

  • church leadership
  • education
  • personal belief formation
  • social activism

Key Concepts

historical context moral evaluation gender equality

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which biblical passages should be re‑examined today?
  • How can faith guide moral progress?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on literalism can ignore cultural and historical nuance.

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