Five Colloquial Phrases You Think Came From The Bible (But Definitely Didn’t)

Half truths, misconceptions, and the damaging nature of bad communal theology

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There are a number of colloquial phrases used by Americans, both Christian and non-Christian, that are assumed to have come straight from the Bible. Some people proudly tout these phrases as inherent truths and use them to belittle, comfort, and shrug their way through life. But none of the following phrases are from the Bible at all. In fact, many of them are completely incompatible with true Christianity and the Christian God.

These phrases seemingly describe an aloof, distant, and easy God who demands little and treats us like idiots. These kinds of milk toast, false Christian phrases can do more damage to our collective theology than outright doubt or unbelief.

Here are five common phrases that are assumed to come from the Bible but definitely do not.

1. God Works In Mysterious Ways

This is a common utterance used by Christians and non-Christians alike. This phrase evokes a mysterious God who works behind the scenes in ways that are completely incomprehensible to us simpletons. But there are two problems with this phrase. First, it is not in the Bible. It isn’t…