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This practice is particularly common in order to deny the existence of [[Hell]] and the necessity of [[faith]] for redemption. Matt. 7:1, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" is sometimes quoted out of [[context]] particularly often for this purpose. When read in context, this verse is part of a condemnation of [[hypocrisy]], not judgment in general.<ref>[https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/the-most-misused-verses-in-the-bible-excerpt.html Judging Others: A Closer Look at Matthew 7:1], from [[Crosswalk.com]]</ref> Likewise, some selectively ignore passages which refute [[evolution]], condemn [[abortion]], make statements about the role of [[women]] that refute modern [[feminism|feminist]] dogmas, condemn [[homosexuality]], [[adultery]], and [[remarriage]] after an un-Biblical [[divorce]], and conflict with other liberal views. Liberal Christians are also fond of citing Scripture selectively in order to rebuke [[Hypocrisy|only someone else's sins]] or to [[special pleading|explain away]] the sins of liberal political allies.
This practice is particularly common in order to deny the existence of [[Hell]] and the necessity of [[faith]] for redemption. Matt. 7:1, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" is sometimes quoted out of [[context]] particularly often for this purpose. When read in context, this verse is part of a condemnation of [[hypocrisy]], not judgment in general.<ref>[https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/the-most-misused-verses-in-the-bible-excerpt.html Judging Others: A Closer Look at Matthew 7:1], from [[Crosswalk.com]]</ref> Likewise, some selectively ignore passages which refute [[evolution]], condemn [[abortion]], make statements about the role of [[women]] that refute modern [[feminism|feminist]] dogmas, condemn [[homosexuality]], [[adultery]], and [[remarriage]] after an un-Biblical [[divorce]], and conflict with other liberal views. Liberal Christians are also fond of citing Scripture selectively in order to rebuke [[Hypocrisy|only someone else's sins]] or to [[special pleading|explain away]] the sins of liberal political allies.
However, cafeteria Christianity is not limited to the left side of the political spectrum; some conservative Christians are also fond of citing Scripture selectively in order to expose hypocrisy while explaining away the same issues in their own camp (such as criticizing the Catholic Church for covering up child molestation among its priests—arguing that the problem is due to the Church's prohibition against priests marrying—while ignoring similar cases involving married pastors or leaders within major Protestant churches or denominations). A notable example of "right-wing" cafeteria Christianity is the [[Westboro Baptist Church]]; their followers quote verses about God's judgment but ignore those about mercy.
If Christians do not take the entire Bible seriously, unbelievers may assume that they need not do so, either. Cafeteria Christians are often referred to as "carnal Christians". A cafeteria Christian can endanger the faith of others by spreading false doctrine as though it were genuine Christianity.<ref>[http://roblattin.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Spot-A-Cafeteria-Christian How to Spot a Cafeteria Christian]</ref>
If Christians do not take the entire Bible seriously, unbelievers may assume that they need not do so, either. Cafeteria Christians are often referred to as "carnal Christians". A cafeteria Christian can endanger the faith of others by spreading false doctrine as though it were genuine Christianity.<ref>[http://roblattin.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Spot-A-Cafeteria-Christian How to Spot a Cafeteria Christian]</ref>