Page 11 - Masters Sample Courses

. but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the
more knowledge, the more grief” (Ecclesiastes 1:17-18). Worldly knowledge is a false knowledge which
is opposed to the truth, and Paul urges us to “Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of
what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the
faith” (1 Timothy 6:20-21). Human knowledge is opposed to God’s knowledge and therefore is no
knowledge at all; rather, it is foolishness.

6) The Christian faith involves knowledge and is compatible with reason. 1) The Christian faith affirms
that there is an objective source and foundation for knowledge, reason, and rationality; that basis is
found in a personal and rational God. 2) Christian truth-claims – though they often transcend finite
human comprehension – do not violate the basic laws or principles of reason. 3) The Bible encourages
the attainment of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. 4) The truths of the Christian faith
correspond to and are supported by things such as evidence, facts, and reason. Biblical faith can be
defined as confident trust in a reliable source (God or Christ). Reason and faith function in a
3
complementary fashion.

Three ways to glean knowledge

A philosopher disconnect from God believes that knowledge and reason are obtained in two central
ways. The empiricist will look to the world outside of himself as the source of knowledge. He looks to
what we can see, smell, hear, touch and taste to provide him his knowledge. Quite often many
scientists are empiricists in that the look to experimentation and the scientific method to learn what is
true or false. They publish their findings in journal reviews so that the information or knowledge they
have gleaned can be shared with others seeking similar knowledge.

The rationalist, however, takes a different approach to finding knowledge. He looks to the world within
himself as his source of knowledge. The rationalist would argue that humans, and even other animals,
have innate knowledge that does not come from experience but simply exists within from birth. Based
on that innate knowledge, the rationalist holds that humans can reason toward new knowledge. Rene
4
Descartes, a famous rationalist said, “I think, therefore I am.” He was saying that because we can think,
we can find truth.

The Christian theist takes a different approach to gaining knowledge. The Christian fully understands
that human knowledge apart from God is at best flawed by sin. It is untrustworthy. He agrees with the
writer of proverbs who says, “Trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and lean not on your own
understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He shall make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Humans are finite, and our thoughts are untrustworthy. Every human being is subject to error, and
neither empiricism nor rationalism can provide understanding that is reliable. That is why we must trust
God to provide the answers and the knowledge we need, and that comes from God’s Word. God’s
Word is truth (John 17:17).

Can a person be guided by logic and knowledge?

The following quote is attributed to Albert Einstein:

3 https://reformedreader.wordpress.com/2015/08/26/a-christian-view-of-knowledge-k-samples/
4 https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2018/11/26/descartes-i-think-therefore-i-am/