--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Those who use the Bible as a reference…" description: "\"Those who use the Bible as a reference for moral behavior are simply cherry-picking those teachings, such as the Golden Rule, that they have independen..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b40/victor-j-stenger-16236_behavior_those-who-use-the-bible-as-a-reference-f_3031406.png" --- # Those who use the Bible as a reference for moral behavior… ![“Those who use the Bible as a reference for moral behavior are simply cherry-picking those teachings, such as the Golden Rule, that they have independently decided are moral for other reasons, while ignoring those teachings with which they disagree.” quote by Victor J. Stenger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b40/victor-j-stenger-16236_behavior_those-who-use-the-bible-as-a-reference-f_3031406.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b40/victor-j-stenger-16236_behavior_those-who-use-the-bible-as-a-reference-f_3031406.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b40/victor-j-stenger-16236_behavior_those-who-use-the-bible-as-a-reference-f_3031406.png) > “Those who use the Bible as a reference for moral behavior are simply cherry-picking those teachings, such as the Golden Rule, that they have independently decided are moral for other reasons, while ignoring those teachings with which they disagree.” [Victor J. Stenger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/victor-j-stenger/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People often select moral teachings that fit their preexisting beliefs, ignoring contradictory parts. **In simple terms:** Selective use of scripture to justify morals. Key Takeaway Examine the whole source, not just parts. Themes religion ethics selective interpretation Mood critical analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - debates on morality - personal belief systems - policy formation Key Concepts confirmation bias scriptural literalism Questions to Reflect On - Do you consider all teachings before forming a moral stance? - How does selective reading affect integrity? A Different Perspective Ignoring contradictory teachings can weaken moral arguments. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Behavior](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/behavior/) [Bible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bible/) [Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Golden rule](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/golden-rule/) [Habits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/habits/) [Moral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral/) [Moral behavior](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral-behavior/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Teaching](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/teaching/) ## Related quotes > [The majority of people who join law enforcement are doing it for good, moral reasons, but then there are the few who get through,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/guy-pearce/the-majority-of-people-who-join-law-enforcement-are-doing-it-for-good/) [Guy Pearce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/guy-pearce/) > [I did it for political, moral reasons, thinking that I was making this great sacrifice, but it was absolutely necessary; I was not going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alicia-silverstone/i-did-it-for-political-moral-reasons-thinking-that-i-was-making-this/) [Alicia Silverstone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alicia-silverstone/) > [The social intuitionist model offers an explanation of why moral and political arguments are so frustrating: because moral reasons are the tail wagged by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-haidt/the-social-intuitionist-model-offers-an-explanation-of-why-moral-and-2/) [Jonathan Haidt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-haidt/) > [For moral reasons I am an atheist - for moral reasons. 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