This is in response to the thread regarding logic, rationality, and rationalism. I have started a new thread in case people want to continue with the original. After reading this thread for the past week I am convinced that what we really need to be speaking of is revelation or the concept of revealed truth. The question we need to ask is:
Can someone come to a saving knowledge of Christ through logic and rationality alone? This would involve a discussion of natural law and creation (and most likely the first few chapters of Romans).
Apologetics (the study of creating logical/rational proofs for a religion) begins with the premise that by breaking down the intellectual barriers to faith, one can come to know God. This is why all apologetic books begin with âproofsâ of Godâs existence followed closely by some sort of rational outlook on evil and suffering. Once these two mountains are cleared the apologete (perhaps a word I just made up, but I like it) believes one can be ushered into the kingdom post haste.
The next step would be to discuss whether one could have as TF Torrance calls it âTheological Scienceâ. David may be surprised to learn that while he has received a lot of opposition to his rationalism our favourite theologian has written books such as âTheological Scienceâ, âGod and Rationalityâ, âDivine and Contingent Orderâ etc. We need to do a better job explaining what we believe the place of rationality is within the faith.
Jonathan
Jonathan, how does this relate to the kinds of questons I asked in my post to David? Are those questions all in the same category requiring only a single response? When I accept personal testimony, or even reject that testimony, is that "truth?" If the biblical message is absolutely true, or contains truth in the absolute, how do I access it -- how do I know when I have arrived? What is the effect of admiting that my arrival at "truth" is, in the end, a personal observation that nevers eliminates the possibility of a change of mind -- lets assume I am a honest and thoughtful student of the biblical message and that I am doing the very best I can possibly do.
Thanks
John
