Something you should never do with Scripture

Never just assume things have always meant what they do now.

The Bible's apparent endorsement of slavery is a good example. When most of us think of slavery, we naturally think of the system that prevailed in America until the Civil War, in which Africans were kidnapped and forced to work for white people. If the Bible defends that, then it deserves to be rejected.

But it doesn't. It's true that Scripture doesn't speak out against slavery, but slavery among the ancient Hebrews and Romans was very different from that practiced in 19th century America. Besides that, kidnapping and forced labor are condemned.

There are plenty of other examples; I chose that one because it's a popular reason for rejecting Christ, and frankly because it's easy to refute. It still takes a little work, but God has never rewarded laziness.