Pitfalls of "Definitional Theology"

Through the years I have unfortunately noticed and participated in what I now refer to as “definitional theology”. It occurs when biblical interpreters prioritize dictionary definitions over context, imposing narrow meanings to understand a passage. While lexicons are valuable tools, overemphasizing them at the expense of scriptural context leads to misinterpretations and division.

This approach treats Scripture as static terms rather than a dynamic narrative. Consider Romans 14:1: “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.” An interpreter might consult a lexicon defining “weak” as “strengthless” (from Vine’s Expository Dictionary) and conclude that “weak in the faith” means a deficient allegiance to Christ. This could foster condescension toward those deemed spiritually inferior, ignoring the passage’s nuanced context.

Romans 14 addresses tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers over matters of conscience—eating meat (v. 2), observing days (v. 5), drinking wine (v. 21). These weren’t salvation issues but potential sources of division. Verse 2 clarifies: “For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables.” The “weak” weren’t spiritually immature (as per defining terms), but had sensitive consciences about specific practices. The “strong” exercised liberty without stumbling. Paul’s concern was unity, not spiritual hierarchy.

Definitional theology leads to:

• Proof-texting: Cherry-picking verses
• Oversimplification: Reducing complex concepts to rigid definitions
• Legalism or License: Via misapplied terms
• Division: Broadly labeling others as “false teachers” over self determined ‘doctrinal’ differences

Instead, follow these suggestions to gain a contextual interpretation:

• Examining surrounding verses
• Considering historical and cultural background
• Consulting broader biblical usage of words under consideration
• Using reliable resources like BDAG lexicon alongside commentaries
• Applying interpretations humbly with input from others (iron sharpens iron)

Definitional theology risks distorting Scripture by prioritizing isolated meanings over context. Romans 14:1’s “weak in the faith” illustrates this danger—it concerns diverse consciences in non-essential matters, not spiritual immaturity. By committing to contextual study, believers avoid division, embrace Scripture’s richness, and foster the unity Paul envisioned where “the strong bear with the weak, and all glorify God together.”