Human logic applied to the Divine Word of God

[Proeliator]

I woke up this morning with this thought, that maybe we apply our logic too much to the Word. We dont like if we can't wrap our head totally around an idea, but maybe we just wont, since its God's plan, not ours.

 

[Cajun Huguenot]

I woke up this morning with this thought, that maybe we apply our logic too much to the Word. We dont like if we can't wrap our head totally around an idea, but maybe we just wont, since its God's plan, not ours.

This is a real problem, especially in our Reformed circles. We like to think. We have to be careful.

Coram Deo,
Kenith

 

[inchristalone221]

I believe that reason has a critical place in theology, but as you say we must be careful. God is transcendent, and we will never fully understand Him apart from His personal revelation. We must place divine revelation above human reason.

 

[mlqurgw]

I think it has been well said that whatever we naturally think of God is wrong. Natural reason is what makes Arminians.

 

[inchristalone221]

Natural reason is what makes Arminians.

Oh I have to disagree. Natural philosophical reasoning points strongly toward unconditional election. You should read my paper (still not perfected yet).

 

[mlqurgw]

Oh I have to disagree. Natural philosophical reasoning points strongly toward unconditional election. You should read my paper (still not perfected yet).

You may notice that I didn't say we can't come to a view of unconditional election by natural reason but that what we naturally think of God is wrong. We naturally think God is just like us.

 

[inchristalone221]

Ah, quite right. I stand corrected. Sorry for misrepresenting your opinion.

 

[mlqurgw]

Ah, quite right. I stand corrected. Sorry for misrepresenting your opinion.

 

[Proeliator]

We naturally think God is just like us.

Not only that, but people also tend to think that God wants for us the things that we wanted for ourselves from the world....money, material thinsg, etc

 

[inchristalone221]

Not only that, but people also tend to think that God wants for us the things that we wanted for ourselves from the world....money, material thinsg, etc

From which we get blasphemous heretics like Benny Hinn...

 

[PapaLandShark]

I woke up this morning with this thought, that maybe we apply our logic too much to the Word. We dont like if we can't wrap our head totally around an idea, but maybe we just wont, since its God's plan, not ours.

Lord protect me from ever thinking I've got You all figured out. Horror.

That being said we are to seek Him as best as He gives us the ability to do so. Logic is not outside of God.

 

[mlqurgw]

Lord protect me from ever thinking I've got You all figured out. Horror.

That being said we are to seek Him as best as He gives us the ability to do so. Logic is not outside of God.

God did give us the ability to reason and logic is a very useful tool in that pursuit. But if we rely solely on logic to decide what is true then what need do we have of faith?

 

[PapaLandShark]

God did give us the ability to reason and logic is a very useful tool in that pursuit. But if we rely solely on logic to decide what is true then what need do we have of faith?

Did I say anything about relying solely on logic? When you say the word "faith" do you mean "trust"? Are logic and faith exclusive? Logic and trust?

I happen to agree with the OP in that we can get so wrapped up in our ponderings and trying to figure God out that we can fall into error. I don't, however, think that we will ever quantify completely any attribute of God's no matter what tools He gifts us with.

No matter how hard we look there will always be more to know and give glory and praise to God for.

 

[mlqurgw]

Did I say anything about relying solely on logic? When you say the word "faith" do you mean "trust"? Are logic and faith exclusive? Logic and trust?

I happen to agree with the OP in that we can get so wrapped up in our ponderings and trying to figure God out that we can fall into error. I don't, however, think that we will ever quantify completely any attribute of God's no matter what tools He gifts us with.

No matter how hard we look there will always be more to know and give glory and praise to God for.

My statement was an attempt to agree with you not to dispute you. I have been having trouble lately with being unclear and that bothers me. I believe it is extremely important ot be clear in what we say. I ask your forgiveness.

 

[Jon_]

I hear this objection pretty often. For those who think that we apply "human logic" to the Scripture too often or incorrectly, I would like to see a single instance of where correctly applied logic results in a violation of a scriptural principle.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[inchristalone221]

When you really think about it, to totally forsake the use of logic would rule out systematic theology as a whole.

 

[PapaLandShark]

My statement was an attempt to agree with you not to dispute you. I have been having trouble lately with being unclear and that bothers me. I believe it is extremely important ot be clear in what we say. I ask your forgiveness.

And I ask your forgiveness if I sound harsh or critical. There are times when I hate this medium. Peace to you my Brother.

 

[Jon_]

When you really think about it, to totally forsake the use of logic would rule out systematic theology as a whole.

More than that, it rules out language. If the law of contradiction does not hold, then "true" can mean "false," "perhaps," "blue," and "pizza."

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[inchristalone221]

And the gospel becomes whatever one wants it to be

I recommend this website for info on the relationship of philosophy/logic and theology. It is the ministry of Greg Koukl, called Stand to Reason.

 

[mlqurgw]

I hear this objection pretty often. For those who think that we apply "human logic" to the Scripture too often or incorrectly, I would like to see a single instance of where correctly applied logic results in a violation of a scriptural principle.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

Having debated with you before it is a scary thing for me to respond to you. Actually I have been attempting to learn what a logical argument is and how to do it but I am a slow learner. Still some things do come to mind as I read your comment. I don't intend to build a straw man but only to define what we mean when we speak of using logic.

It would seem that you think that a man can come to Christ by simply a use of logic. That isn't intended as putting words in your mouth but it does seem to be what you are implying. If that is the case then the natural man can understand and believe spiritual truth without being regenerate. Which goes against what Paul says in 1Cor. 2:14

I believe you would agree that logic is vey useful in seeking truth it doesn't necessarily define truth. For me it is simply a method of arriving at a conclusion.

Only one last comment; I may be mistaken but I think the point was that we just cannot find out everything of God by using logic.

Job 11:7 Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?