Test All Things; Hold Fast What Is Good
1 Thessalonians 5,21 under influence of liberal theology and deconstruction
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. N
ow may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–23, ESV)
Every year, the Protestant churches in Germany are guided by an annual verse that accompanies them throughout the liturgical year. In view of the developments in the churches, not only in Germany but also in the USA and other Western countries, this verse is sometimes heavily misused. Liberal theology and the deconstructionist movement take this verse out of its context and justify things that are not at all in the spirit of Scripture. The verse serves as a legitimizing formula for the constant questioning of all dogmatic and ethical orders. Particularly in the sphere of influence of liberal theology and postmodern deconstruction, “testing everything” is understood as an invitation to endless questioning, without any real fixed direction. However, Paul certainly had a different intention: those who examine everything should not remain in doubt, but hold on to what is good. And this good is not an empty concept, but is to be understood in the light of God's revelation.