Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

Question:

From:     Waynon
To:     Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
Subject:     Genealogy
Date sent:     Fri, 22 Oct 1999 03:33:51 -0400 (EDT)

I enjoy genealogy. As far as I know there is nothing wrong with that; I
hope there is not. My family history is fascinating to me and I have
especially enjoyed seeing their faith and church involvement down through
the generations and centuries. Still, someone recently pointed out two
Bible verses that bother me. One is 1Timothy 1:4 "nor give heed to fable
and endless genealogies, which causee disputes rather than godly
edification which is in faith." Second is Titus 3:8 "But avoid foolish
disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they
are unprofitable and useless.

Can you help me. Are they talking about something different than we do?

Response:

From:     Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org
To:     Waynon
Subject:     Genealogy
Date sent:     Fri, 22 Oct 1999 10:47:28 -0500

Waynon,

You said:

> I enjoy genealogy. As far as I know there is nothing wrong with that; I
> hope there is not. My family history is fascinating to me and I have
> especially enjoyed seeing their faith and church involvement down
> through the generations and centuries. Still, someone recently pointed
> out two Bible verses that bother me. One is 1Timothy 1:4 "nor give
> heed to fable and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than
> godly edification which is in faith." Second is Titus 3:9 "But avoid
> foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law;
> for they are unprofitable and useless.
>
> Can you help me. Are they talking about something different than we do?

These Scriptures refer to something altogether different from
modern genealogical searches. Both 1Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9
are directed towards Jewish and gnostic problems of the early
Church. For example, in Titus 1:10,11, Paul says, "For there are
many rebellious men, especially those of the circumcision, who
must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families,
teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain."
(The circumcision is a term referring to Jewish peoples.)

Jewish teachers were subverting the gospel message through the
use of genealogies and myths. The Jewish myths were part of the
tradition of the elders. They eventually found their way into the
Talmudic writings. The genealogy issue was an issue of placing the
Jews in a superior position to the Gentiles. It could also have been an
attempt to discredit Jesus since He was not from the tribe of Levy.

With regard to the study of genealogy today, however, the main
problem would link to obsession. Obsessions are unreasonable. If
our motive is to determine whether we come from royalty, then we
have a pride problem. After all, we are all sinners saved by grace.
As a hobby I don't believe that the study of genealogy is anymore
harmful than any other hobby. The key is balance.

Hope this helps.
Your servant in Christ,
Buddy Martin

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What would you like to "Ask the Pastor?"

Your full name:
Your email address: (e.g.: you@aol.com)
PLEASE include your email address or we won't be able to send the answer to you.

Your question

(Note: Please include your full name and email address. Answers will be sent by return email. Christian Challenge reserves the right to reprint your question and edit it for clarity and content on our "Ask the Pastor" web page. Please note that we will not divulge your full name nor your email address. Typically we'll use your first name only. Not all questions are posted on this page - many more are responded to privately. Please let us know if you do NOT want your question listed or if you'd prefer it to be listed anonymously. We respect your privacy and will NOT sell/give/loan your name and email address to any other organization/business/entity.)

Back to the Christian Challenge International home page!