| BIBLICAL REASONING a complete course in Christian logic compiled by Scott David Rocca of CrownofChrist.net |
Lesson One - What is "Reason"?
Modern people think of "rational" and
"religious" as opposites, but they are no
more so than are "green" and "hot". A
bean may be green and hot, green and
cold, red and hot or red and cold.
Similarly, one may have a rational
religion, an irrational religion, a rational
secularism or an irrational secularism.
Irreligion and "reason" are not necessarily
twins.
Modern people think of "rational" and
"religious" as opposites, but they are no
more so than are "green" and "hot". A
bean may be green and hot, green and
cold, red and hot or red and cold.
Similarly, one may have a rational
religion, an irrational religion, a rational
secularism or an irrational secularism.
Irreligion and "reason" are not necessarily
twins.
Historically, thinking people have seen the opposite of rationalism as
empiricism, not faith. Empiricists claim that all knowledge comes from the
five senses, while rationalists assert that knowledge is a uniquely human
and mental phenomenon. The modern idea that scientists see truth with
their eyes is ridiculous. Animals have physical senses - many superior to
ours - but seeing is not understanding. We know because we are made in
God's image and can listen to reasons and give reasons for our claims.
empiricism, not faith. Empiricists claim that all knowledge comes from the
five senses, while rationalists assert that knowledge is a uniquely human
and mental phenomenon. The modern idea that scientists see truth with
their eyes is ridiculous. Animals have physical senses - many superior to
ours - but seeing is not understanding. We know because we are made in
God's image and can listen to reasons and give reasons for our claims.
In any case, the philosophical argument over where knowledge comes from
(epistemology) is an ancient one, with famous and intelligent men on each
side of the debate. When contemporary atheists - who are all materialistic
empiricists - attempt to dismiss faith in the name of "reason", they are
being silly. From their own position, they can't even explain how physical
sensations become "true ideas" in our "minds". Truth, ideas and minds,
after all, are not phenomena of matter or energy observable to "science"!
So, we should slow down and THINK instead of parroting slogans.
Thinking will require us to consider ideas, how they relate to other ideas,
and where they come from. We must be calm and cautious, because, as
Solomon warns, He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his
neighbor cometh and searcheth him. Proverb 18:17 We all have our
"reasons", some are just better than others. Of course, if we are Christians,
our "reasons" will come from the Bible.
(epistemology) is an ancient one, with famous and intelligent men on each
side of the debate. When contemporary atheists - who are all materialistic
empiricists - attempt to dismiss faith in the name of "reason", they are
being silly. From their own position, they can't even explain how physical
sensations become "true ideas" in our "minds". Truth, ideas and minds,
after all, are not phenomena of matter or energy observable to "science"!
So, we should slow down and THINK instead of parroting slogans.
Thinking will require us to consider ideas, how they relate to other ideas,
and where they come from. We must be calm and cautious, because, as
Solomon warns, He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his
neighbor cometh and searcheth him. Proverb 18:17 We all have our
"reasons", some are just better than others. Of course, if we are Christians,
our "reasons" will come from the Bible.
Lesson Two - Why study Logic?
Some "Christians" do try to reject logic and
scholarship. They claim that, since we are
finite, we can "never fully understand" the
Bible. But this is ridiculous, because the
Bible is God's gift to us, not an infinite
transcript of His infinite Mind! The secret
things belong to the LORD our God: but
those things which are revealed belong to
us and our children forever...
Deuteronomy 29:29
God has spoken to us and we should think
- correctly - about what he has to say.
Come now, let us reason together, saith
the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be white as snow... Isaiah 1:18
Some "Christians" do try to reject logic and
scholarship. They claim that, since we are
finite, we can "never fully understand" the
Bible. But this is ridiculous, because the
Bible is God's gift to us, not an infinite
transcript of His infinite Mind! The secret
things belong to the LORD our God: but
those things which are revealed belong to
us and our children forever...
Deuteronomy 29:29
God has spoken to us and we should think
- correctly - about what he has to say.
Come now, let us reason together, saith
the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be white as snow... Isaiah 1:18
FIRST TEST - If I believe that
knowledge comes from the
Bible, am a rationalist or an
empiricist?
knowledge comes from the
Bible, am a rationalist or an
empiricist?
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