Slippery Slopes

If you have been a disciple of Jesus Christ for any length of time at all, you have likely heard of the “slippery slope.” This line of reasoning usually a takes a form such as this: “If you allow “A”, then that will lead to “B”; “B” will always lead “C”, etc.” Participation in one thing is discouraged or prohibited merely because it may lead to something else. In many cases, assertions are boldly made that are misguided at best or blatant fabrications at worst.

Of course, the Bible does speak of some slopes that are predictably slick. For example, Scripture tells us that unchecked lust leads to sin, and unresolved sin leads to death (James 1:14-15). We are also warned about who we associate with because it can lead to corruption of our own values (1 Corinthians 15:33). So the principle itself can be valid.

But the “slippery slope” argument is often overused. In some cases, the progression is presented as being inevitable, even though the steps in the alleged sequence cannot always be biblically demonstrated or proven. In fact, some resort to this line of reasoning precisely when they have no biblical support for their position. And when Scripture cannot be marshaled to garner support for their position, then the trump card of fear is played to try and sway the crowd anyway.

Let me remind you that the hill that is home to the dreaded slope that leads to license has another black diamond run. This other slippery slope leads in the opposite direction – to bondage. Here the temptation is to legislate without God’s approval. And once we start making laws where God hasn’t made them, even in a well-intentioned effort to prevent something “worse,” where do we stop?

May I suggest a simpler approach? How about let’s avoid what God tells us is wrong, embrace what God tells us is right, and quit trying to “play God” with everything in between. Humanly-contrived slippery slopes serve only to breed fear in the hearts of God’s children.

God loves you!
Mike