Oshkosh reader says context matters when reading holy texts
Here is this week’s letter to the editor of the Oshkosh Northwestern . See our letters policy below for details about how to share your views. Read more in Opinion: Click here for the latest Opinion headlines Reading scripture passages in context Understanding scripture requires reading the surrounding text, not interpreting isolated phrases. This encourages fairness, respect and a fuller understanding. In Matthew 10:34-36, Jesus says, “I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Read in context, these words may describe family divisions arising from differing responses to his message rather than necessarily referring to physical warfare. This interpretation can be considered alongside Jesus’ teachings about peacemaking, loving enemies and praying for persecutors (Matthew 5:9, 43-48), providing a broader context for understanding his words. Exodus 21:23-25 presents “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” within laws addressing injury and responsibility. Its legal context should be considered before interpreting it as personal revenge. Comparing it with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38-42 requires recognizing their different contexts. The Promised Messiah explained that Quranic teachings about fighting must be understood within their historical and textual contexts, particularly circumstances involving persecution, aggression and restrictions on warfare. Verse 2:190 of the Holy Quran commands Muslims
