Whether or not you consider yourself religious or have read the Bible, chances are that you encounter something called “proof texting” on a regular basis. This article explains how to distinguish a proof text from a well-founded scriptural reference, using the Temptation narrative in Matthew 4:1–13 as a guide.
What is “proof texting”
Proof texting consists of quoting a particular line from the Bible (or another text) to win an argument, often on a contentious subject like reproductive rights, gender roles, or LGBTQI+ rights. Usually, the proof texter will ignore both the context of the passage and scholarly debates as to its meaning, proper translation, and authorship. The aim is simply to shut down a debate by invoking “God’s word.”