Theology and Logic Pt. 2
It is very obvious that I have been misunderstood. Many people who have read the previous post and my comments on Theology for the Masses. It seems to others who read my comments that I abhor philosophy and at the same time I use it all the time. I do not believe that in any way shape or form! Philosophy is important for by this we can know that we are rational creatures made in the image of a rational God. God is the author and source of philosophy and logic.
What I did say is that I don’t feel that we can argue doctrine extra-biblically. When we do that, we logicize God and he loses his majesty. The only way to know God is through his word. There are many ways to know about God in many ways. Philosophy, math, science, and other areas can lead us to a knowledge of God, but they do not lead us to God. They aren’t saving light, only Jesus is.
I was told that all my systems of belief are based in some way on philosophy. I agree totally. However, those philosophies were based upon exegetical studies of the Bible. They were not based upon philosophical speculation. I said that philosophy was subjective and was laughed at. That tells me a.) that the person laughing looked upon my comments as childish or not serious; b.) that the person did not try to understand exactly what I was saying. Philosophy is subjective because it is based upon our assumptions and presuppositions. God’s word is not subjective but is objective. It does not have any biases. I said that our philosophy must be conformed to our work of exegesis. Logic helps take our conclusions and formulate them, as the Reformers did. Philosophy does not tell us if our conclusions are right. Our exegesis tells us if our philosophy is correct. God’s word must be held as the highest standard of knowledge and must be the sole authority upon which we base our arguments, especially when it comes to theology and all it entails. We must put the Bible to the status as an idol but it must be our sole authority upon which we base all other knowledge.
If philosophy is not squaring with exegetical conclusions, test the philosophy in light of Scripture. Do not say that the exegesis is wrong and then go back and change that. When an objection to doctrine arises because it is not logical. Show us where it is illogical in the exegesis. Our exegesis should be logical. God’s word is logical. Do not say that your exegesis is wrong but not point out where it is wrong. That does not contribute to the discussion on the given doctrine.
I am in favor of using logic and all other areas of knowledge. But only if it is used in submission and constrained by the living and breathing word of God upon which God has revealed himself to man for salvation and walk of life. It is really upsetting that everybody seems to be misreading or misquoting my view of philosophy and its place in relationship to Scripture. I do not worship the pages of the Bible for it is the God who wrote that Bible that makes the Bible worth anything. I simply appeal to the highest authority I have to appeal to. It’s not logic, it’s not math, nor is it any other area of human knowledge. I appeal only to Scripture.
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