Authority Quote by Jon Meacham
“The problem for those who assert biblical authority in support of traditional definitions of marriage is that one could, with equal validity, assert that the lending of money or certain kinds of haircuts are forbidden by God, or that slavery and the subjugation of women are authorized by the Lord.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture, 2015, USA
The quote challenges using biblical authority to define marriage by showing that selective literalism can justify any practice, even absurd ones, highlighting inconsistency.
In simple terms: Selective religious rules can be twisted to support any view.
Key Takeaway
Question the consistency of scriptural arguments.
Themes
religion
marriage
logic
ethics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- debates on marriage law
- religious education
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
interpretation
authority
selective literalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we decide which scriptural rules are relevant?
- What criteria should limit religious authority?
A Different Perspective
It assumes all religious interpretations are equally valid, which may not hold for mainstream traditions.
![“The Biblical manuscripts are quite unequivocally clear on the issue of marriage and its definition. The law of the land may change, however the Holy Writ shall not." ~R. Alan Woods [2013]” quote by R. Alan Woods](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/276/r-alan-woods-1455_definition_the-biblical-manuscripts-are-quite-unequ_1383232.jpg)
![“[Genderless marriage] is contrary to God's law, to revealed Word. Scripture, ancient and modern, could not be clearer on the definition that the Lord and His agents have given to marriage down through the dispensations.” quote by Lance B. Wickman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/05a/lance-b-wickman-15289_agents_genderless-marriage-is-contrary-to-god-s_467791.jpg)
![“Marriage of a man and a woman is clear in Biblical teaching in the Old Testament as well as in the New [Testament] teaching. Anyone who seeks to put that notion asunder is likewise running counter to what Jesus Himself said.” quote by Lance B. Wickman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a79/lance-b-wickman-15289_bible_marriage-of-a-man-and-a-woman-is-clear-i_1478731.jpg)
![“Marriage between a man and a woman is central to God’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. As such, traditional marriage is a foundational doctrine and cannot change. [November 7, 2013]” quote by LDS Church](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/71c/lds-church-47854_children_marriage-between-a-man-and-a-woman-is-ce_1882597.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)