Faith and Reason?

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Hyvent

Hyvent

Member
Jan 29, 2011
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It seems that the consensus among Christians that faith and reason conflict. Given the definition of reason, I find this perplexing so I began to ask fellow brothers and sisters in Christ why they thought this. Typically, their responses were reason is of the mind and the mind is enmity against God. Without even realizing it, they were providing reasons for rejecting reason! Thus, I began to ask myself, why are so many Christians in opposition of reason? I have come to the conclusion that there is a simple misunderstanding surrounding reason. So what is reason and how can reason correlate with faith?

(I) What is reason?

Reason- A statement offered in explanation or justification

(II) How can reason correlate with faith?

Take the creation of the universe, for example, Christians will postulate that God brought our universe into existence. Or again, consider the resurrection of Christ. Christians will contend that it was God that raised Jesus from the dead. Both examples
provide an explanation—God created the universe—or justifies the resurrection of the dead. Furthermore, humans can’t mentally function as we do without using reason. We wouldn’t be able to present a statement that doesn’t explain or justify something or even answer the question of why. Think about it, when someone asks you, why do you believe in God you can’t avoid giving an explanation or justification of your belief.
Let me propose a couple of challenges to those that still aren’t convinced that reason and faith cannot correlate with one another.

Challenge (I) Why do you believe that faith and reason are mutually exclusive or in conflict?

By answering this question, you used reason!

Challenge (II) I invite you to think of a world in which you cannot present a statement that neither explains nor justifies anything. After you have done so, attempt to make sense of this world and tell me reason isn’t needed.
 
Logic is from the devil.


(this is a joke)


James 1 said:
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Click to expand...

Hrmmmmm...
 
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great article hyvent!

i can think of only one scripture right now that would tell us not to follow a path of reasoning. but, with out a study of the scripture it would actually be obscure.

1Ti 2:8 ¶ I will 1014 therefore 3767 that men 435 pray 4336 every 1722 3956 where 5117, lifting up 1869 holy 3741 hands 5495, without 5565 wrath 3709 and 2532 doubting 1261.

greek word lexicon 1261 translated doubting.

1) the thinking of a man deliberating with himself

a) a thought, inward reasoning

b) purpose, design

2) a deliberating, questioning about what is true

a) hesitation, doubting

b) disputing, arguing

verse 8 of 1 timothy is instruction for all believer and is directly given by paul in the authority given to him by God as an apostle, teacher and preacher of the gospel:)
l
Love you lil brother
 
oh, BTW Jimmydiggs,

I percieve your ( this is a joke) statement is an obvious show of thorns and briars and discredits anything you have to say. if you want to be heard by believers you should put that flesh to death.

The good thing is your lack of respect and honor in using the word of God will most likley develop humility in this young brother, bring honor to the LOrd and benefit hyvent greatly.

Lisa
 
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ReinItIn said:
oh, BTW Jimmydiggs,

I percieve your ( this is a joke) statement is an obvious show of thorns and briars and discredits anything you have to say. if you want to be heard by believers you should put that flesh to death.

The good thing is your lack of respect and honor in using the word of God will most likley develop humility in this young brother, bring honor to the LOrd and benefit hyvent greatly.

Lisa
Click to expand...
I was agreeing with him... Hence the verse about praying for wisdom........


The (this is a joke) was to indicate that the statement about logic was a joke... If you've read my posts in dealing with athiests, and previous posts regarding Apologetics, you'd know that logic is a lovely tool I employ.


Thank you for what otherwise would have been a just rebuke.


Edit:

Example of the aforementioned. http://christianchat.com/miscellaneous/29250-testimonies-god-uses-apologetics.html <--- click
 
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Hyvent said:
It seems that the consensus among Christians that faith and reason conflict. Given the definition of reason, I find this perplexing so I began to ask fellow brothers and sisters in Christ why they thought this. Typically, their responses were reason is of the mind and the mind is enmity against God. Without even realizing it, they were providing reasons for rejecting reason! Thus, I began to ask myself, why are so many Christians in opposition of reason? I have come to the conclusion that there is a simple misunderstanding surrounding reason. So what is reason and how can reason correlate with faith?

(I) What is reason?

Reason- A statement offered in explanation or justification

(II) How can reason correlate with faith?

Take the creation of the universe, for example, Christians will postulate that God brought our universe into existence. Or again, consider the resurrection of Christ. Christians will contend that it was God that raised Jesus from the dead. Both examples
provide an explanation—God created the universe—or justifies the resurrection of the dead. Furthermore, humans can’t mentally function as we do without using reason. We wouldn’t be able to present a statement that doesn’t explain or justify something or even answer the question of why. Think about it, when someone asks you, why do you believe in God you can’t avoid giving an explanation or justification of your belief.
Let me propose a couple of challenges to those that still aren’t convinced that reason and faith cannot correlate with one another.

Challenge (I) Why do you believe that faith and reason are mutually exclusive or in conflict?

By answering this question, you used reason!

Challenge (II) I invite you to think of a world in which you cannot present a statement that neither explains nor justifies anything. After you have done so, attempt to make sense of this world and tell me reason isn’t needed.
Click to expand...

A great book to read and become educated is "How do we know the Bible is true". Dr. Jason Lyle has a chapter on logic and how logic originates in the Christian worldview. Again, read the book and hear what is written. It may surprise and enlighten you.
 
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