# Prooftext

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prooftext
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{{Short description|Passage of scripture presented as proof for a theological doctrine, belief, or principle}}
{{for|the academic journal|Proof texts (journal)}}
In [biblical interpretation](/source/biblical_hermeneutics), a '''proof text''' is a passage of [scripture](/source/sacred_text) presented as proof for a theological doctrine, belief, or principle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proof+text|title=Definition of PROOF TEXT|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en|access-date=2019-09-19}}</ref> '''Prooftexting''' (sometimes "proof-texting" or "proof texting") is the practice of using quotations from a document, either for the purpose of [exegesis](/source/exegesis), or to establish a proposition in [eisegesis](/source/eisegesis)  (introducing one's own presuppositions, agendas, or biases). Such quotes may not accurately reflect the original intent of the author,<ref>"The Use of a Doctrinal Catechism in Sunday-School Instruction: A Symposium", Jesse L. Hurlbut et al; ''The Biblical World'', Vol. 16, No. 3 (Sept 1900); {{jstor|3136493}}</ref> and a document quoted in such a manner, when read as a whole, may not support the proposition for which it was cited.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://covenantoflove.net/reformed-theology-theology/sola-scriptura-reformed-theology-theology/problem-with-proof-texting/ |title=Problem with Proof-Texting |publisher=Covenant of Love |date=2010-03-24 |accessdate=2013-11-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://carlsweatman.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/problems-with-proof-texting-1/ |title=problems with proof-texting (1)|work= Peripatetic Learning |publisher=Carlsweatman.wordpress.com |date=2010-08-04 |accessdate=2013-11-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mainsailministries.org/joomla16/index.php/q-a-a-god-bible-theology-culture/31-is-bible-verse-proof-texting-problematic |title=Is Bible Verse Proof-Texting Problematic? |publisher=Mainsailministries.org |date= |accessdate=2013-11-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=McDonough |first=Kathy |url=http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2012/07/the-subtle-power-of-spiritual-abuse-chapter-7-abuse-and-scripture/ |title=The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, Chapter 7: Abuse and Scripture |publisher=Recovering Grace |date=2012-07-19 |accessdate=2013-11-14}}</ref> The term has currency primarily in theological and exegetical circles.

==See also==
* [Quote mining](/source/Quote_mining)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

Category:Biblical exegesis
Category:Hermeneutics
Category:Christian terminology

{{biblical-studies-stub}}
{{christian-terminology-stub}}

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Prooftext](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prooftext) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prooftext?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.