Reasoning
Reasoning?
Reasoning is the power of the intellect by which we gather, then discover truth. Truths that may be contained in the first principles of someone's belief, or understood from the arguments and conclusions of principles by which truth may be investigated.
So is the reasoning of religious matters of any importance? Has the exalted and incomprehensible nature of the Doctrines of Scripture so completely brought into subjection the understanding of Christian people, that to apply reason to God's word is no longer acceptable? Has the simplicity of the Bible been corrupted by incorporating it with the philosophy of man?
When the above scenario is played out, many in the Christian community have/will come to believe that it is safer, as well as more respectful (in appearance only) to resign their thoughts and teachings to impressions, rather than to exercise one's understanding in any and all speculations upon subjects under discussion?
The founders and teachers of sects and cults agree in belittling the use of reason. Why? They claim it is the very nature of fanaticism. In other words to teach that Christ is the only way to the Father would be considered a fanatical teaching. They in turn substitute for sober reasoning the notions of their break away imagination, and consider their whims to be an illumination from God's Holy Spirit.
To add fuel to this fire, many fundamental churches have now began to adopt the sentiments of these false teachers. They display a false humility and reverence toward God that is in word only. This was the sign of the Pharisees and Sadducees as they would put on, then display their many acts of holiness.
We are beginning to hear from pastors, teachers and evangelist that, "Christianity was not founded on argument." This may appear to many as a conclusion that magnifies the Gospel. Or does it? In reality it does nothing but undermine Christian faith. How? By separating faith from any rational thinking.
Those who teach these things are dangerous. They are the disguised enemies of Christ's teachings. Their defence is opposed to the principles of reasoning. They claim that Christianity is founded on faith alone, and not reasoning. This statement is only partly true. I believe that by and through reasoning, it would be sufficient to convince us of faiths veracity.
An ancient false teaching is raising its ugly head again. In order to put into subjection its members, churches teach that some things may be true in theology, but false in philosophy. Therefore it has made the merit of faith with reasoning an absurdity.
Also there is an opposed extreme to this thinking. Many claim that reasoning alone is the supreme judge of all doctrine. In this they strike out or omit by reason, every doctrine that they are not comfortable with.
So is there a middle ground for this dilemma?
The controversies concerning reasoning are usually not about words, but about the essence of the Christian faith. To reason is to examine the evidence of God's revelations.
What to do?
The more complete a persons submission to Christian doctrine is, the more they need to be fully satisfied that what they understand to be truth is from God. If this is correct, then what exactly are these truths?
To answer this we must understand the established historical laws of interpretation. Is what we understand to be the truth coming to us through ancient materials written many hundreds or even thousands of years ago? Or is it a new inspiration claiming to be revealed to a particular person or group of people in these last days?
To come to a true understanding, the ancient languages must be studied and verified by scholars, then read and understood by those who teach. What needs to be Included and understood in these studies is the times and the condition of the countries from which any writers lived. The words or phrases used by him must conclude the same meaning throughout His writing. Here is where the study of words in the Hebrew and Greek is of the utmost importance.
Also the style and manner of different writers, can be marked. Taken into consideration is the grammar used, the history, geography, chronology, and the phrases and criticism used by them on certain matters of doctrine.
It goes without saying that every Christian can not pursue these many branches of knowledge. Therefore our understanding depends on the reasoning of others. One mark of confidence that we can placed upon what is being taught is the continued application in the explanation of the Scripture throughout the centuries.
Another point is that the Christian cause can be, and is hurt by the unskilled and unknowledgeable defenders of the faith. When educated men in the fields of science, philosophy, discernment, perception, and various understanding, direct their talents and skills against the Christian faith, a great deal of damage can be affixed to the faith when unskilled, unlearned defenders respond.
Unskilled in that they cannot unravel the sophistication of particular arguments and claims. The unskilled may also make concessions that are unwarranted. They may become confused or bewildered by certain quotes or claims made, and therefore are led onto dangerous grounds.
Throughout history there have been weak defenders of the faith. The enemies of Christianity triumph from being able to expose the weaknesses of defenders who are led into unstudied areas.
We have Christian men and women well trained and qualified in these various areas of study to argue a correct position concerning the Scriptures. The Novice be they student or teacher, must avoid at all cost their areas of weakness.
The truth of Christianity must trace the relationship of harmony, beauty and glory of Scriptures with practical application. Like any other science, if Christianity is to be considered a science, as to the way other truths are secured and connected as principles and conclusions, it must be done by reason. To do otherwise would be to agree with any rational nature that believes and act without reason.
Christianity is not to believe or live by fear, but by power, love and a sound mind. Any thing revealed to us from God word is a revelation from so high an authority that we may rest on that authority, thus assuring them to be true.
So each of us may ask, what can be received by us as true which is apposed to reason? It is impossible to receive at any given time a truth and a falsehood of any proposal.
On the other hand there are many things which we do not or cannot comprehend, and many propositions that appear incredible, proposals larger than life itself, yet in time these things may be received when understanding is brought into God's way of thinking.
These principles embrace the whole, and mark out the steps by which reason is to proceed in judging the truths of Christianity.
We must examine the evidence of revelation. When our understanding is satisfied, and there is no contradiction between the doctrines of our faith, and the doctrines of reason we can move ahead.
If a contradiction does appear, somewhere we have made a mistake. How can this happen? First, by not making use of good reasoning in our interpretation of the gospel. Second, we have retained a teaching that is not Scriptural. Thirdly, when this occurs we must trace our steps back to where the error occurred.
Comparing Scripture with Scripture, examining impartially each verse, draw light from the phraseology used and from the analogy of faith. The enemies of true understanding bring in preconceived ideas that are opposed to certain doctrines. Other times our pride will not submit. Also our reason may need a reminder that we have to expect many things that cannot be grasped at that time.
Reason needs to recognize is limits. Reason can not be moved by any authority, to receive as true what it perceived to be absurd. There are areas which reason is familiar with, and others not. That which is not familiar should not throw off that which is know. With patience, time will measure out to each of us that which is not understood today.
Thank You,
Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com