Doubt in its place can be a good thing: "Tell me your certainties, I have enough doubts of my own" (Goethe).
Skepticism goes all the back to the Greek philosophers of antiquity, so it is not new--they wondered about knowing anything at all.
David Hume, the extreme skeptic philosopher, was known for doubting the very possibility of miracles, saying they were a violation of natural law (thus personifying science): He repudiated the idea of certainty.
Rene Descartes, the father of modern philosophy in an age of Rationalism, refused to believe anything unless provable: Cogito, ergo sum was all he could muster (I think, therefore I am).
Has anything ever not rung true to you? Read on!
"It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel: (Proverbs 20:3).
First three paragraphs are an introduction, disclaimer, and platform:
My goal herein is to provide a rationale for avoiding unnecessary conflict whether by specious (questionable and dubious) argument or even by cogent, rational assertion. I'll attempt to keep the rhetoric at bay and won't engage in a war over ideas (the only war worth fighting at all costs is the gospel and constituent truths). (Some argument is better suited to the open marketplace of ideas and not between loved ones. If you can't say it in public, it might not be worth saying.) This is based on personal experience and what the Lord has taught me, and is not intended to offend anyone. We must be prepared to have an answer for the hope that is within us, yet with gentleness and respect according to 1 Peter 3:15; otherwise we lose by default and confirm them in their ignorance. (Refutation and rebuttal ability are acquired skills through practice and are not as necessary as a thorough knowledge of the Word of Truth--knowing the Bible is more valuable than an education.)
This is my dialectic about being skeptical and putting skepticism in its place. I am hoping to shun animosity and discord, but I have found it necessary to blog on this matter and not concede without saying my peace of mind and getting it off my chest about what I know something about. In the final analysis, I hope you will ascertain your position and, if you disagree, be tactful, kind, and loving in your reaction, comment, or response (it is the spirit that something is done in that matters and is apparent). A final word to the wise is sufficient: An opinion is something you hold, but convictions hold you and you are usually willing to make sacrifices for them, to die for, that is, even the ultimate sacrifice itself.
In the so-called great quest or pursuit of truth and thirst for knowledge, I endeavor to make an intelligible discourse to delineate my stand on argumentation and skepticism (I believe there comes a time when we must make our position known and stand up for what we believe). I intend to tone down the rhetoric and be as coherent and lucid as I am can. Sometimes we are not presenting the offense of the cross, but being offensive and obnoxious jerks in our interpersonal intercourse. I am aware that some of the great philosophers and theologians have declared that "all truth is God's truth," but in my nomenclature, the truth is divine revelation that changes lives and gives life to the soul. All of us err on occasion as Augustine said, "If I err, I am." Also, "to err is human...." Finally, these views are what I espouse and subscribe to and I do not claim to be inerrant, or infallible, neither do I speak ex-cathedra, nevertheless, I am articulating my own viewpoint.
You may recall that this is what Satan said to Eve when he so slyly introduced the concept of skepticism to her. Some people are born skeptics and are naturally inquisitive or inquiring, even too curious or doubtful for their own good--there is a place for faith and all knowledge begins with it. There are some things we ought to be skeptical about, like politicians who act out of expediency (Goethe said politics is a dirty business). But there is a time and place for every matter under heaven and one should know when to be skeptical and put it in its place.
Gen. George C. Patton's book Patton's Principles: A Handbook for Managers Who Mean it says we should "pick our fights" because there may be more to lose than to gain. We can win an argument and lose a friend--I personally believe relationships are more important than showing off your debating skill. Proverbs says, that a brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city. Sometimes wisdom tells us not to go there because we have more to lose than to gain. Arguments can generate more heat than light and people are rarely won over by argument--you cannot argue someone into the kingdom, for instance.
R. C. Sproul says that the Bible forbids being argumentative, divisive, contentious, or judgmental. This is true because Paul says in 2 Tim. 2:24 that "the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome [must not strive]." We are peacemakers, not troublemakers, and one of the six things God hates listed in Prov. 6:19 is sowing discord (one of the fruits of the flesh listed in Gal. 5) among brethren. I'm not saying we cannot disagree, but the Lord exhorts us to agree in the Spirit and be of one accord. We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable, as the cliche goes--but this is a vital one too--we don't want to be known or pegged for being a contentious, contrary, or disagreeable person.
"Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," Paul says in Ephesians 4:3. A fellowship is when two fellows are on the same ship, so how can the fellowship be about two people trying to prove the other wrong (which is my definition of an argument)? Usually, people stop seeking the truth and just get stubborn and step into a belligerent or attack mode, picking a fight, as it were, even judging and resorting to ad hominem attacks (insulting the person rather than the facts themselves)--and I am as guilty of this as the next guy. Mea culpa!
It is beautiful when brethren get along in the Spirit and can calmly discuss matters without it escalating into something undesirable and uncalled for among believers. Most tiffs are the result of misunderstanding j(a failure to communicate!) and especially of semantics or diction where we don't know where the other party is coming from. The better we know someone, the more we know or should know, how to get a rise out of them, know how to push their buttons, or what offends them--and to not go there. There will be disagreements (Augustine's dictum, "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity" applies) and they are inevitable because we are human ("to err is human, to forgive divine").
We don't want to be "yes-men" or sycophants that encourage someone in their error. An honest answer is a kiss on the lips according to Proverbs; that is to say, it is better to be honest sometimes, though the truth may hurt. Proverbs also say that the wounds of a friend can be trusted. The truth can hurt, so we have to learn tact and be sensitive when necessary. We can do a person more of a favor sometimes by disagreeing and telling the truth as we see it!
There is a command to stand up for the truth (but this is only for absolute truth found in Scripture); Jude urges us to "earnestly contend for the faith" in Jude 4. Jesus said that he didn't come to bring peace, but a sword, and to set a fire and he wishes it had already been kindled! Families often divide on religion and Christ predicted this, but they need not do so on the basis of politics for example. The rapprochement or reconciliation after a fight is harder than to avoid it in the first place and we have to learn to be tactful, sensitive, and political in family or friendship circles. The truth is always fighting for, but only the Bible is called "truth."
Jesus claimed to be the personification or embodiment of truth itself (that means there is absolute truth)--other things may be true, but cannot legitimately be called truth--it is the truth that sets us free spiritually (John 8:32). We are sanctified by the truth (John 17:17), and Jesus purpose in coming was to" bear witness of the truth" as he gave the testimony to Pilate (John 18:37). This is our calling and commission as Christians, not to turn people into our political persuasion, et alia.
The church has had many splits and factions because of contention (this is why there are so many denominations) and after the reformation contention arose because Catholics gave equal authority to tradition as to Scripture. The best way to diffuse an argument is to admit you could be wrong! Be the humble one who is not stubborn and seek the truth of the matter. Paul says to Timothy: "The man of God must not strive [quarrel] ...." There is a place for debate now, which is another ballgame. Like in the Senate chambers where a bill must be discussed and the pros and cons weighed. The purpose of debate is to win and there is a moderator and judge to decide this--sometimes a vote transpires. In an argument, the purpose shouldn't be to win, but to seek the truth, if one stays objective and has an open mind. Remember, Satan is at work and his chief strategy is to divide and conquer.
Now to find the truth you must go with the flow (the direction of evidence and argument) and be willing to admit you are wrong (before you can be educated, you must admit your ignorance), which you may be, because no one has a monopoly on the truth and has cornered the market so that they have the right to be intolerant of disagreement. "Behold how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity" (Psalm 133:1). The best way to discuss a matter is to have it based on the truth, which is Scripture, and use the Bible to back up your ideas. "Then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me..." (Psalm 119:42). Jesus also quoted Scripture to defeat Satan: He said, "It is written...."
When you disagree it may be wise to just change the subject and pursue it no further--it may not be worth the argument or being disagreeable about--people's feelings get hurt even if we are just being ourselves or telling the truth--sometimes the truth hurts and we are not being tactful--we may also be hypersensitive ourselves and carry our feelings on our sleeves--we should be ready to take anything our friends dish out in confidence that they love us and are not perfect. We are all "works in progress" and will make mistakes--no one can say he has arrived at perfection.
In summation: Keep it in check and under restraint--don't ever knowingly and willingly jeopardize a close and meaningful relationship! Soli Deo Gloria!
Skepticism goes all the back to the Greek philosophers of antiquity, so it is not new--they wondered about knowing anything at all.
David Hume, the extreme skeptic philosopher, was known for doubting the very possibility of miracles, saying they were a violation of natural law (thus personifying science): He repudiated the idea of certainty.
Rene Descartes, the father of modern philosophy in an age of Rationalism, refused to believe anything unless provable: Cogito, ergo sum was all he could muster (I think, therefore I am).
Has anything ever not rung true to you? Read on!
"It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel: (Proverbs 20:3).
First three paragraphs are an introduction, disclaimer, and platform:
My goal herein is to provide a rationale for avoiding unnecessary conflict whether by specious (questionable and dubious) argument or even by cogent, rational assertion. I'll attempt to keep the rhetoric at bay and won't engage in a war over ideas (the only war worth fighting at all costs is the gospel and constituent truths). (Some argument is better suited to the open marketplace of ideas and not between loved ones. If you can't say it in public, it might not be worth saying.) This is based on personal experience and what the Lord has taught me, and is not intended to offend anyone. We must be prepared to have an answer for the hope that is within us, yet with gentleness and respect according to 1 Peter 3:15; otherwise we lose by default and confirm them in their ignorance. (Refutation and rebuttal ability are acquired skills through practice and are not as necessary as a thorough knowledge of the Word of Truth--knowing the Bible is more valuable than an education.)
This is my dialectic about being skeptical and putting skepticism in its place. I am hoping to shun animosity and discord, but I have found it necessary to blog on this matter and not concede without saying my peace of mind and getting it off my chest about what I know something about. In the final analysis, I hope you will ascertain your position and, if you disagree, be tactful, kind, and loving in your reaction, comment, or response (it is the spirit that something is done in that matters and is apparent). A final word to the wise is sufficient: An opinion is something you hold, but convictions hold you and you are usually willing to make sacrifices for them, to die for, that is, even the ultimate sacrifice itself.
In the so-called great quest or pursuit of truth and thirst for knowledge, I endeavor to make an intelligible discourse to delineate my stand on argumentation and skepticism (I believe there comes a time when we must make our position known and stand up for what we believe). I intend to tone down the rhetoric and be as coherent and lucid as I am can. Sometimes we are not presenting the offense of the cross, but being offensive and obnoxious jerks in our interpersonal intercourse. I am aware that some of the great philosophers and theologians have declared that "all truth is God's truth," but in my nomenclature, the truth is divine revelation that changes lives and gives life to the soul. All of us err on occasion as Augustine said, "If I err, I am." Also, "to err is human...." Finally, these views are what I espouse and subscribe to and I do not claim to be inerrant, or infallible, neither do I speak ex-cathedra, nevertheless, I am articulating my own viewpoint.
You may recall that this is what Satan said to Eve when he so slyly introduced the concept of skepticism to her. Some people are born skeptics and are naturally inquisitive or inquiring, even too curious or doubtful for their own good--there is a place for faith and all knowledge begins with it. There are some things we ought to be skeptical about, like politicians who act out of expediency (Goethe said politics is a dirty business). But there is a time and place for every matter under heaven and one should know when to be skeptical and put it in its place.
Gen. George C. Patton's book Patton's Principles: A Handbook for Managers Who Mean it says we should "pick our fights" because there may be more to lose than to gain. We can win an argument and lose a friend--I personally believe relationships are more important than showing off your debating skill. Proverbs says, that a brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city. Sometimes wisdom tells us not to go there because we have more to lose than to gain. Arguments can generate more heat than light and people are rarely won over by argument--you cannot argue someone into the kingdom, for instance.
R. C. Sproul says that the Bible forbids being argumentative, divisive, contentious, or judgmental. This is true because Paul says in 2 Tim. 2:24 that "the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome [must not strive]." We are peacemakers, not troublemakers, and one of the six things God hates listed in Prov. 6:19 is sowing discord (one of the fruits of the flesh listed in Gal. 5) among brethren. I'm not saying we cannot disagree, but the Lord exhorts us to agree in the Spirit and be of one accord. We can agree to disagree without being disagreeable, as the cliche goes--but this is a vital one too--we don't want to be known or pegged for being a contentious, contrary, or disagreeable person.
"Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," Paul says in Ephesians 4:3. A fellowship is when two fellows are on the same ship, so how can the fellowship be about two people trying to prove the other wrong (which is my definition of an argument)? Usually, people stop seeking the truth and just get stubborn and step into a belligerent or attack mode, picking a fight, as it were, even judging and resorting to ad hominem attacks (insulting the person rather than the facts themselves)--and I am as guilty of this as the next guy. Mea culpa!
It is beautiful when brethren get along in the Spirit and can calmly discuss matters without it escalating into something undesirable and uncalled for among believers. Most tiffs are the result of misunderstanding j(a failure to communicate!) and especially of semantics or diction where we don't know where the other party is coming from. The better we know someone, the more we know or should know, how to get a rise out of them, know how to push their buttons, or what offends them--and to not go there. There will be disagreements (Augustine's dictum, "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity" applies) and they are inevitable because we are human ("to err is human, to forgive divine").
We don't want to be "yes-men" or sycophants that encourage someone in their error. An honest answer is a kiss on the lips according to Proverbs; that is to say, it is better to be honest sometimes, though the truth may hurt. Proverbs also say that the wounds of a friend can be trusted. The truth can hurt, so we have to learn tact and be sensitive when necessary. We can do a person more of a favor sometimes by disagreeing and telling the truth as we see it!
There is a command to stand up for the truth (but this is only for absolute truth found in Scripture); Jude urges us to "earnestly contend for the faith" in Jude 4. Jesus said that he didn't come to bring peace, but a sword, and to set a fire and he wishes it had already been kindled! Families often divide on religion and Christ predicted this, but they need not do so on the basis of politics for example. The rapprochement or reconciliation after a fight is harder than to avoid it in the first place and we have to learn to be tactful, sensitive, and political in family or friendship circles. The truth is always fighting for, but only the Bible is called "truth."
Jesus claimed to be the personification or embodiment of truth itself (that means there is absolute truth)--other things may be true, but cannot legitimately be called truth--it is the truth that sets us free spiritually (John 8:32). We are sanctified by the truth (John 17:17), and Jesus purpose in coming was to" bear witness of the truth" as he gave the testimony to Pilate (John 18:37). This is our calling and commission as Christians, not to turn people into our political persuasion, et alia.
The church has had many splits and factions because of contention (this is why there are so many denominations) and after the reformation contention arose because Catholics gave equal authority to tradition as to Scripture. The best way to diffuse an argument is to admit you could be wrong! Be the humble one who is not stubborn and seek the truth of the matter. Paul says to Timothy: "The man of God must not strive [quarrel] ...." There is a place for debate now, which is another ballgame. Like in the Senate chambers where a bill must be discussed and the pros and cons weighed. The purpose of debate is to win and there is a moderator and judge to decide this--sometimes a vote transpires. In an argument, the purpose shouldn't be to win, but to seek the truth, if one stays objective and has an open mind. Remember, Satan is at work and his chief strategy is to divide and conquer.
Now to find the truth you must go with the flow (the direction of evidence and argument) and be willing to admit you are wrong (before you can be educated, you must admit your ignorance), which you may be, because no one has a monopoly on the truth and has cornered the market so that they have the right to be intolerant of disagreement. "Behold how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity" (Psalm 133:1). The best way to discuss a matter is to have it based on the truth, which is Scripture, and use the Bible to back up your ideas. "Then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me..." (Psalm 119:42). Jesus also quoted Scripture to defeat Satan: He said, "It is written...."
When you disagree it may be wise to just change the subject and pursue it no further--it may not be worth the argument or being disagreeable about--people's feelings get hurt even if we are just being ourselves or telling the truth--sometimes the truth hurts and we are not being tactful--we may also be hypersensitive ourselves and carry our feelings on our sleeves--we should be ready to take anything our friends dish out in confidence that they love us and are not perfect. We are all "works in progress" and will make mistakes--no one can say he has arrived at perfection.
In summation: Keep it in check and under restraint--don't ever knowingly and willingly jeopardize a close and meaningful relationship! Soli Deo Gloria!
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