Eric Wilson - 2013
Much has been written and discussed previously on this site about the application of reason in
Much has been written and discussed previously on this site about the application of reason in
Personally, wholeheartedly, joyfully – and by the grace of God – embracing my faith (or my bias as it would be referred to by those in opposition to my beliefs), I willfully admit I am most suited to address one side of this debate. Teaching classes in Critical Thinking, I am saddened by good Christian students who avoid the subject or fear that it is contradictory to their core beliefs. We should not avoid critical thinking, but rather follow the model of Jesus and engage in faithful critical thinking in submission to our Father in heaven. As He is a righteous judge, we also should strive to discern, understand, and make decisions based on righteous critical thinking. In fact, we must engage in critical thinking. All decision-making involves us in critical thinking; we cannot avoid it. The question is not one of critical thinking versus not critical thinking; the question is one of good critical thinking (wisdom, discernment, judgment) versus poor critical thinking (foolishness, sloth, rebellion). “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” - Proverbs 14:15
If you have not begun to think critically on this subject and remain unconvinced that what I have said is “reason” enough, here are three additional points to consider:
- He is glorified – All truth is God’s truth. Why should we ignore or depreciate an ally, a part of God’s wholeness of revelation? The more we question with boldness and the more He reveals to us about creation, sociology, business, or whatever, the more we will praise the miracles and perfection He has performed.
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you”. (Philippians 4: 8-9)
- Supports your worldview – Knowledge leads to wise action and better service to God. With a worldview as your foundation, with critical thinking you will be less apt to react but instead use your foundation as a filter in all your actions and considerations.
“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: [krivo the Greek root word for critical thinking or to judge]; and My judgment [krisis there is that root word again] is just, because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30).
- We are instructed to do so – We should begin to train our children to think critically according to Biblical standards at a very young age. Such training in wisdom and judgment should play a core role in education. In fact, Solomon’s Proverbs aim at such training.
“To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” (Proverbs 1:2–9).
