A proof text is a passage of

scripture Religious texts, including scripture, are texts which various religions consider to be of central importance to their religious tradition. They differ from literature by being a compilation or discussion of beliefs, mythologies, ritual prac ...

presented as proof for a theological doctrine, belief, or principle. Prooftexting (sometimes "proof-texting" or "proof texting") is the practice of using quotations from a document, either for the purpose of

exegesis Exegesis ( ; from the Ancient Greek, Greek , from , "to lead out") is a critical explanation or interpretation (logic), interpretation of a text. The term is traditionally applied to the interpretation of Bible, Biblical works. In modern usage, ...

, or to establish a proposition in

eisegesis Eisegesis () is the process of interpreting text in such a way as to introduce one's own presuppositions, agendas or biases. It is commonly referred to as ''reading into'' the text. It is often done to "prove" a pre-held point of concern, and to pro ...

(introducing one's own presuppositions, agendas, or biases). Such quotes may not accurately reflect the original intent of the author, and a document quoted in such a manner, when read as a whole, may not support the proposition for which it was cited. The term has currency primarily in theological and exegetical circles. This is to be distinguished from quotations from a source deemed a

hostile witness A hostile witness, also known as an adverse witness or an unfavorable witness, is a witness at trial (law), trial whose testimony on direct examination is either openly antagonistic or appears to be contrary to the legal position of the party ...

, which inadvertently substantiate a point beneficial to the quoter in the course of its own narrative. Even when lifted out of context, those facts still stand.

References

{{Reflist Communication Christian terminology

See also

References