Secular Higher Education – Hostile to Truth September 1, 2010
Posted by stewsutton in Theology.add a comment
Some aspects of a secular higher education are not openly hostile to the truth of the written word of God represented in the Holy Bible. They can make statements that infer “we really don’t know” or “there are multiple viewpoints here…” I guess that is why simple mathematics is such a safe discipline to study in college in relationship to the instructional content.
In going through a college freshman text on cultural anthropology authored by Gena Hollander, I came across several sections that put hard *against* the truth. One section is particularly hostile in its portrayal of the origins of language diversity. On page 111 it shows an illustration of the Tower of Babel described in the Book of Genesis (first book of the Bible). The tower it explains “symbolizes an ancient West Asian myth about the origins of language diversity.” Of course there are continuing sections that compare human language with the sounds that animals make and attempt to connect the two actions – inferring some for of evolutionary connection.
Chapter 8 on Sex and Marriage is equally hostile to the truth. It defines marriage as a culturally sanctioned union between “two or more people.” Of course those that study the truth of this world understand that marriage is between a man and a woman and it is sanctioned by God as a union between the opposite sex – creating a bond for life. Other chapters go on to describe how it is “common” to divorce these days and how it is becoming more “culturally acceptable.” This is truly a sad state of affairs. Not only is there an obvious falling away from the truth given to us by our Creator, but there is an aggressive attempt to teach that this is acceptable behavior.
Let’s pray for better understanding and curriculum that is not hostile to the real truth.
APPLIED KNOWLEDGE August 17, 2010
Posted by stewsutton in Humanity, Knowledge Management, Theology, Wisdom.add a comment
“He is not the best student who reads the most books, but he who meditates
the most upon them; he shall not learn most of divinity who hears the
greatest number of sermons, but he who meditates the most devoutly upon
what he does hear; nor shall he be so profound a scholar who takes down
ponderous volumes one after the other, as he who, reading little by
little, precept upon precept, and line upon line, digests what he
learns, and assimilates each sentiment to his heart by meditation.”
– Charles Spurgeon
Chickens, Eggs, Faith, and Theological Understanding July 5, 2009
Posted by stewsutton in Theology, Wisdom.1 comment so far
The classic phrase: Which came first; the chicken or the egg? is often used to present a paradox in the order of events. For many that consider the universe and all that it contains to be a grand cosmic accident, the chicken and egg paradox is truly perplexing. But there is something else here that can also be compared. It seems to go against the norms of the 21st century modern society.
In order to improve your understanding, you first need faith.
Now most modern scientists will tell you that they need some evidence to go on before they head down a specific path. They want some proof. In matters of religion, the often-used statement is “I want proof before I head down that path of thought…” That it turns out becomes a stumbling block for those that seek understanding through heading down a specific path because that very path will not be revealed without faith that the path exists.
credo ut intelligam
I believe in order to understand
The phrase credo ut intelligam was first put forth by Augustine, then popularized by Anselm of Canterbury in 1033-1109 AD. Augustine’s full statement was “I don’t understand so that I might believe, but I believe so that I might understand.” This idea gives emphasis to the priority and necessity of belief in the Cristian’s intellectual pursuits. One cannot truly and fully understand spiritual matters unless he or she first believes them to be true.
fides quaerens intellectum
“Faith seeking understanding”
This Latin phrase was coined by Anselm of Canterbury . This is one of the earliest definitions of theology. It starts with the assumption that we are believers and as such, we are seeking to understand our beliefs better.
So theology is for everyone. We all have beliefs. Even those that profess no beliefs have the belief that nothing matters. Everyone needs to be a theologian. In reality everyone is a theologian – of one sort or another. Charls Ryrie said that “There is nothing wrong with being an amateur theologian or a professional theologian, but there is everything wrong with being an ignorant or sloppy theologian.”
So first have faith, then (secondly) you can seek deeper understanding upon the path that is shown to you.
