Throughout history, scripture has been misused to justify oppressive systems and violent campaigns, often twisting verses to support political and economic agendas rather than reflecting the Bible’s message of love and justice. Though history shows us where faith has been misapplied, today’s church has a profound opportunity to rediscover and restore the Bible’s true message of love, justice, and unity—a message that can bring healing and hope to all.
The Crusades (11th-13th Century):
Crusaders used Matthew 10:34 (“I have not come to bring peace, but a sword”) to justify violent campaigns in the name of Christ, though Jesus was referring to the social division that His teachings might cause, not physical violence. Conquest stories from the Old Testament, such as Joshua’s battles, were cited to argue for “holy war,” despite their historical context being specific to Israel’s ancient history.
Catholic Heresies Exposed by Martin Luther (16th Century):
In the Reformation, Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church’s claims to supreme authority, arguing that it had misused Matthew 16:18-19 (“On this rock I will build my church”) to consolidate power around the Pope. Similarly, the selling of indulgences was justified using John 20:23, but Luther condemned this as heresy, insisting forgiveness was available through faith alone.
The Atlantic Slave Trade (16th-19th Century):
Defenders of slavery cited the “Curse of Ham” from Genesis 9:20-27 to argue that Black Africans were divinely condemned to servitude. Additionally, Ephesians 6:5 and 1 Peter 2:18, which urged slaves to obey their masters, were taken out of context to imply divine endorsement of racialized chattel slavery.
Colonization (16th-19th Century):
European colonizers claimed a “divine mandate” to rule over other lands and peoples, often referencing Psalm 2:8 (“I will make the nations your heritage”) to justify expansion. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) was also distorted to equate spreading Christianity with subjugating non-Christian societies. Colonizers framed their control as a biblical duty to “civilize” others, often misapplying Genesis 1:28, which speaks of “dominion” over creation, not domination of other people.
Jim Crow Laws (late 19th to mid-20th Century):
Segregationists in America used Acts 17:26 (“determined the boundaries of their habitation”) and the story of Babel (Genesis 11) to claim that racial separation was God’s plan. Additionally, verses in Leviticus and Deuteronomy prohibiting “mixing” were misinterpreted to support racial segregation, ignoring that these laws were part of ancient Israel’s rituals and not related to race.
Apartheid in South Africa (1948-1990s):
Apartheid proponents cited Genesis 11 and Acts 17:26 to argue that God willed the separation of races, manipulating these passages to defend racial segregation and oppression, while ignoring the Bible’s overarching call to justice and unity. In each case, biblical teachings were taken out of context, not to uplift but to exploit, subjugate, and control.
These abuses reflect a historical pattern where power structures misused scripture, betraying its core message of love, equality, and reconciliation.
The past shows us where we’ve gone wrong, but the future is ours to shape. As the church leans into a truer understanding of God’s Word, we have the chance to embody a faith that heals, unites, and reflects the love we are called to live.