Casey September 5th, 2007
Starting Points:
I wonder if our starting points are different, then we will have different outcomes (truths).
If four people watched a car accident and each of the four people were in different locations—it is possible that all four will have a different story of truth. I saw this…I saw that…I felt this.
Perhaps, this doesn’t matter. Some might say that “anything goes” mentality is ok.
But it seems that if we argue about truth, then there is an answer. In my small pea-sized brain, it seems to make sense to understand that there is a right and wrong, truths and false-truths. We have these same truths and false-truths in (ALL) other realms of life. If I pointed to an oak tree and called it a banana tree you could correct me on my error. Why should it be different for our faith?
I wonder about how important it is to make sure we start in the best, most honest way towards scripture/doctrinal stuff/beliefs (S/D/B).
Up until the last 100 years or so, most of our beliefs and “truths” were easily accepted. Now people want to question everything about the S/D/B. I am not afraid of these discussions, and I look eagerly towards them, because I seek truth out.
But what I am wrestling with, is point of view. I hold this viewpoint, you hold that. But if you were in my shoes and I in yours would we have differences still?
How important is it to start in the right spot?
Maybe the first question is “Where should we start?”
Why should I start with assuming the bible is true or mythical?
Why should I start with assuming Genesis is wrong or right, historically speaking (Didn’t science tell us the planet is flat and the atom was the smallest thing, and that there were 9 planets)?
Why do Modernist have to be wrong in understanding the Bible as truth (historically)?
Why assume that the last 2,000 years of tradition and study from men, who are more educated than most, are wrong? Or right?
Why do we all assume that those of yester year were ignorant and did not have the whole story, but today we do?
Why do we assume our limited view of science disproves the historical accuracy of the bible?
In my limited experience, many of the experts and Phd’s—I have found to be in total ignorance and to full of pride to admit error. By no means all of them, but some.
It makes logical sense to me, that God did have a purpose in all of his words that he gave us. Rather, historical or not…He still wanted to convey a message.
Our job is to honestly seek out and study to try to discover his truth. I think most people would agree with me here.
But…
How do I know where to start? Why start in the realm of higher criticism? Why not start there?
Is it possible that because of our pride that we miss out on drawing closer to God? I seek to honestly find him who has found me.
In my mind, I have formulated my answers to these questions, but I am interested to hear what others have to say.
Can a Higher Critic miss truth because of where he started from? Can a preacher?
I see these questions as foundational to our development as students of Christ. Loving God with all of our minds.