proof-texting
n.— «It seemed that anyone could really make the Bible support just about whatever they wanted it to. They could control the text, using it as a tool to prove certain beliefs (a practice often referred to as “proof-texting”). As a result, whenever Scripture seemed to go outside of the boundaries of what it was “supposed” to be saying in a certain passage, I was left with a big problem. In fact, the parts of the Bible which fell outside of the few, favorite “proof-text” verses with which I was familiar were completely confusing.» —“Learning How to Read the Bible (Part 1)” by Ryan Issakainen Ryan Issakainen’s Blog (Wheaton, Illinois) Feb. 16, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Suzanne in Tucson, Arizona, says her mother used to say the following to her quickly: Will you? Won’t you? Can’t I coax you? Aw, c’mon! You said you would! You think you might? You promised me! Won’t your mama let ya, huh...
Understanding the varieties of conversational styles can mean the difference between feeling you’re understood and being insulted. “High-involvement” speakers interrupt or talk along with someone else to signal their enthusiasm...