#TheBibleHasTaughtMe: Viral Twitter hashtag stirs up contradicting Biblical views
A hashtag that has recently trended on Twitter has opened up the door to opposing perspectives about the Bible.
Posts bearing the hashtag #TheBibleHasTaughtMe have been circulating on Twitter, and while many of them come with encouraging and inspiring lines, others reflect views from the opposite end of the spectrum. The exchange of opinions has even become hostile in certain instances.
Some of the tweets recounted how the Bible has taught them about the faithfulness of God and His unconditional love and acceptance. Other tweets told of how God does not lose faith in a person and will continue to use "anybody no matter what they've done in the past."
However, some tweets have taken on a mocking tone, like that of one Twitter user saying the Bible taught him that people "blindly believe anything without question."
There were tweets showing an attempt at humor. One such tweet said the Bible has taught him that he should not covet his neighbor's ox. Another Twitter user shared that the Bible has taught him how describing a woman's hair as "a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Mt. Gilead" does not really work as a pick-up line.
The hashtag has proven that although social media can be a good platform for evangelism, it can also be a platform for debate.
Rev. Mark Woods, writing for Christian Today, reminded believers that engaging people about the Bible in public platforms like Twitter can pave the way for opposition about the Word of God. According to him, social media is not a "safe, friendly place" where Christians interact only with other people who uphold the same beliefs they have.
"Some social media spaces are quite kind and gentle; Twitter is a bear-pit," Woods said.
However, getting opposing views about the Bible, such as those about #TheBibleHasTaughtMe, can help believers assess their faith according to the Word. Woods reminded believers that the Bible is "public property" and can be mocked by others freely if they choose to do so.
"But an exercise like this can be very valuable in helping us see our faith as others see it and read the Bible as others read it," Woods added.
