In the context of biblical teachings, "pretensions" refer to claims or assertions that are often exaggerated or unfounded, typically involving pride or self-importance. The Bible addresses the issue of pretensions in various passages, warning against the dangers of pride and the importance of humility.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently addresses the theme of human pride and the futility of pretentious behavior. In the book of Proverbs, wisdom literature often contrasts the humble with the proud. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the inevitable downfall that follows prideful pretensions.

The account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 serves as a narrative example of human pretension. The people sought to build a tower reaching the heavens to make a name for themselves, demonstrating their pride and self-reliance. God intervened by confusing their language, scattering them across the earth, thus thwarting their pretentious ambitions.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues to address the issue of pretensions, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. Jesus often criticized the Pharisees for their pretentious displays of piety. In Matthew 23:5 , Jesus says, "All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels." Here, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their outward show of religiosity, which was not matched by genuine devotion.

The Apostle Paul also speaks against pretensions in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 10:5 , Paul writes, "We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Paul emphasizes the need to dismantle any pretentious thoughts or arguments that oppose the truth of God.

Theological Implications

Pretensions are often rooted in pride, which is considered a fundamental sin in Christian theology. Pride leads individuals to elevate themselves above others and, ultimately, above God. This is contrary to the biblical call for humility and submission to God's will. James 4:6 reminds believers, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"

The Bible encourages believers to adopt a posture of humility, recognizing their dependence on God. Philippians 2:3 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This verse underscores the Christian ethic of valuing others above oneself, countering the natural inclination toward pretension.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are called to examine their own lives for any signs of pretension. This involves a sincere assessment of one's motives and actions, ensuring they align with the teachings of Christ. Believers are encouraged to seek humility, serve others selflessly, and rely on God's wisdom rather than their own understanding.

The biblical admonition against pretensions serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity in one's faith journey. By rejecting prideful pretensions, Christians can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and foster genuine community with others.

How the Pretensions of the Manich??ans are to be Refuted. Two ...
... Of the Morals of the Catholic Church. Chapter 1. "How the Pretensions of
the Manich??ans are to Be Refuted. Two Manich??an Falsehoods. ...
/.../chapter 1 name the pretensions.htm

Marcion's Gnostic Pretensions Vain, for the True God is Neither ...
... Chapter IX."Marcion's Gnostic Pretensions Vain, for the True God is Neither Unknown
Nor Uncertain The Creator, Whom He Owns to Be God, Alone Supplies an ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter ix marcions gnostic pretensions vain.htm

The Vain Pretensions of False Gods.
... Chapter V."The vain pretensions of false gods. But concerning those who think
that they shall share the holy and perfect name, which ...
/.../justin on the sole government of god /chapter v the vain pretensions of.htm

Specific Points. The Novelty of Marcion's God Fatal to his ...
... Chapter VIII."Specific Points. The Novelty of Marcion's God Fatal to His Pretensions
God is from Everlasting, He Cannot Be in Any Wise New. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter viii specific points the novelty.htm

Each Side Claims to Possess the True Gospel Antiquity the ...
... Chapter IV."Each Side Claims to Possess the True Gospel Antiquity the Criterion
of Truth in Such a Matter. Marcion's Pretensions as an Amender of the Gospel. ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter iv each side claims to.htm

Of the Religion of Mahomet.
... I. Mahomet did not found his pretensions upon miracles, properly so called; that
is, upon proofs of supernatural agency capable of being known and attested by ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section iii of the religion.htm

Chapter vi.
... carpenter's son of Nazareth the person whom we are to receive and obey?" there was
nothing but the miracles attributed to him by which his pretensions could be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter vi.htm

Christ's Own Testimony Concerning Himself.
... my God!" (John 20:28.). These are the most astounding and transcendent
pretensions ever set up by any being. He, the humblest and ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/christs own testimony concerning himself.htm

Chapter i
... Our histories accordingly inform us, that this was the turn which the enemies of
Jesus gave to his character and pretensions in their remonstrances with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/paley/evidences of christianity/chapter i.htm

Acts IV
... But the Pharisees were his most bitter enemies, the Sadducees being comparatively
indifferent to his pretensions, while here we see the Sadducees leading the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts iv.htm

Pretensions (2 Occurrences)
...Pretensions (2 Occurrences). ... 2 Timothy 3:4 traitors, headlong, of vain pretensions,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; (DBY). ...
/p/pretensions.htm - 6k

Fig (45 Occurrences)
... fruit. It ought to have had fruit if it had been true to its "pretensions,"
in showing its leaves at this particular season. "This ...
/f/fig.htm - 33k

Rival (5 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Having the same pretensions or claims; standing in competition for
superiority; as, rival lovers; rival claims or pretensions. ...
/r/rival.htm - 8k

Pretension (1 Occurrence)
... or false; a presumptuous assertion; a right alleged or assumed; a holding out the
appearance of possessing a certain character; as, pretensions to scholarship. ...
/p/pretension.htm - 7k

Absalom (93 Occurrences)
... father, he began to aspire to the throne. His pretensions were favoured
by the people. By many arts he gained their affection; and ...
/a/absalom.htm - 50k

Pretext (11 Occurrences)

/p/pretext.htm - 9k

False.
... The revolts in this period were generally connected with religious pretensions in
the leaders (Josephus, BJ, II, xiii, 4-"deceived and deluded the people under ...
/f/false..htm - 16k

Fable
... And in 2 Kings 14:9 Jehoash ridicules the pretensions of Amaziah with the story
of the thistle that wished to make a royal alliance with the cedar. ...
/f/fable.htm - 12k

Pharisee (14 Occurrences)
... party among the Jews, noted for a strict and formal observance of rites and ceremonies
and of the traditions of the elders, and whose pretensions to superior ...
/p/pharisee.htm - 11k

Christs (2 Occurrences)
... The revolts in this period were generally connected with religious pretensions in
the leaders (Josephus, BJ, II, xiii, 4-"deceived and deluded the people under ...
/c/christs.htm - 14k

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