Two theologists have urged people and politicians not to take the Word of God out of context to suit their personal or political agendas.

World Harvest Institute principal pastor Semisi Nacewa and Oral Roberts University Associate Professor of Missions, Graduate School of Theology and Ministry, Raymond Smith, have more than 40 years of theological teaching combined.

And with the last Parliament sitting next week, before the 2022 General Election, the learned academics have urged politicians to refrain from manipulating biblical scripts.

The theologists were part of a Pastors and Leaders Seminar at the CMF Church in Kinoya yesterday. SODELPA MP Mitieli Bulanauca came under fire when he misinformed the people, while speaking in Parliament, that the COVID-19 jab was the ‘Mark of the Beast’.

Quoting biblical texts Pastor Nacewa said politicians quoting verses from the Bible needed to first live it before preaching it.

“Politicians quoting verses from the Bible should purely speak within its context and not manipulate the word of God for their own agendas,” he said.

“The scripture says ‘Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s’,” he said.

“Jesus spoke of this in the Bible and if we manipulate the Bible to suit a political agenda, I don’t think it’s right for people to do that.”

“People must preach The Word purely in its context.If you want to go into politics, just be a very good politician rather than allowing the word of God to suit your agenda.”

Mr Smith said it was easy to get caught up in politics and wanting to have an agenda.

“There’s all kinds of ways to use the Bible to advance your own agenda but the church can’t do anything about that,” Mr Smith said.

“People who know the Bible will know if it is quoted wrong or the people who don’t know probably won’t be impressed.

“Either way, we find ourselves in a delicate situation. It’s important to pray for those who are misinterpreting the Bible and are not using it for their own personal gain or agenda.”

“People have been using the Bible for the right purposes while some use it for its own personal intent and for their own purposes.

“In the same way that this young man can use his equipment, skill and talent for purposes that are honourable or purposes that are not so honourable,” he said.

He said the interpretation of the Bible depends entirely on the motivation and the attitude of the heart of the person using the scripture.

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