Use of "liberal" in the Bible?

[Deleted]

I was reading Isaiah and was confused about the context of liberal in Chapter 32. Nowadays liberals have a bad rap but was this different in Biblical times?

Isaiah 32:8  But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

Thanks!

Katrina

[Brother Ben]

When you see the use of liberal in the Bible it is typically talking about those who give away, i.e., to the poor, liberally. Thus biblically being liberal is good.

Pro 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Isa 32:5 The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said [to be] bountiful.

2Cr 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men];

By context we see that these are...are you ready for this...good liberals.

Now, when you take this to the political spectrum you have something different. The dictionary definition of liberal is as follows:

lib·er·al [lib-er-uhl, lib-ruhl]
–adjective
1.favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs.
2.(often initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform.
3.of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism.
4.favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.
5.favoring or permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers.
6.of or pertaining to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies.
7.free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant: a liberal attitude toward foreigners.
8.open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc.
9.characterized by generosity and willingness to give in large amounts: a liberal donor.
There is your biblical liberal.
10.given freely or abundantly; generous: a liberal donation.
11.not strict or rigorous; free; not literal: a liberal interpretation of a rule.
12.of, pertaining to, or based on the liberal arts.
13.of, pertaining to, or befitting a freeman.

Compliments of dictionary.com

In the definition we see things that, in our day, are taken to bad extremes. When it says political reform, they are talking about getting rid of the strong things of character that made us a great nation. When they talk about liberties they are talking abou the right to print for all to see obsene things and worse, have the government pay for it...that means YOU by taxation.

This is why liberal, in our day, is a bad thing. God still wants us to be a biblical liberal, but not one as seen in society.


I do NOT like your narrow interpretation of the Bible. God would send NO ONE to hell. Signed, the Liberal


2Cr 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men];

[Deleted]

Thanks very much Brother Ben, I appreciate this alot!!

Katrina