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Post by Ryan Dozier on Nov 18, 2008 1:34:17 GMT -5
Scripturalism is persuading not because it is specifically taught in scripture rather it can be deduced from it. The problem that is apparent in my understanding of epistemology is that in order to justify one’s first principle (the Bible) he must first rely on sensation without justification. Although my first principle is the Triune God and His revealed Word I cannot without relying on sensation have this as my first principle. Thus, sensation becomes the necessity in order to have my first principle, so the question is how do I justify the reliability of sensation? Sensation becomes the center of ones epistemology for-- in order to read the Bible one must rely on sensation-- if one holds to any view other than Scriptrualism.
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Post by Ryan Dozier on Feb 3, 2009 0:33:22 GMT -5
Epistemology is a subject that we all must deal with in our daily lives. Epistemology pertains to anything that has to do with knowledge. Ones epistemology is ones view point of what is knowledge and how is it achieved. Since we all have an epistemology we must measure it to see if it is Biblical. The Bible God’s Word is our objective standard in which we determine what is true or false. Thus we must compare our epistemology to what God states in His Word and if it is not what is derived from Scripture we must revise it to bring it under the obedience of Christ.
Scripture does not teach Empiricism the view that knowledge is gained only from experience. In contrast the Scriptures teach we innately have knowledge of the Triune God (not a saving knowledge) and when we observe creation it testifies of God‘s existence. As Romans 1:18-21 states:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
This passage in Romans proves a rationalistic empirical view of knowledge. Many try to exclude this passage to just a general revelation proof, however, in order for someone to perceive (observe empirically) creation he or she must have innate categories in order to interpret what is perceived. If there is no innate categories it is impossible to perceive anything because one would be left with a Tabula Rasa viewpoint of man which is self-refuting. For if the mind is blank and sensations must be imprinted on the mind to gain knowledge we are left with an unconscious being because in order to be conscious one must know something like the external world and their own existence. So apart from innate knowledge the necessary equipment needed to perceive is not present. Furthermore, it must be argued these verses not only presuppose innate categories but necessitates innate knowledge of God. The scripture says “…that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.” My question is how can knowledge of God be evident within if not innate? It could be argued God has given us ample evidence through creation including our very bodies to testify of God. King David said “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14)” David knew he was a wonderfully made creature in other words intrinsically complex. But how can we conclude from creation that God created us? Unless, God has imprinted on our very being the knowledge of His attributes and existence.
In Romans 2:14-15 it states:
“For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them”
This passage in scripture leaves no room for alternatives it explicitly teaches innate knowledge of God’s moral law. And this innate knowledge is not general rather specific namely the living Triune God of the Bible has written His law on the hearts of man this is why every man will be held accountable to God with no excuse.
The foundation for Christian epistemology is God and His revealed Word the Bible. Everything is dependent on God and His revealed Word the Bible. For if the Christian worldview (which is derived from the Bible) were not true it would be impossible to prove anything. Human experience and everything that is meaningful–sensation, induction, intuition, logic, free-will (free agency) morals,– hinges on the truthfulness of the Christian worldview.
Faith is the foundation for reason. We have faith in God and His revealed Word (the Bible) because God has given us the faith to believe in Him and His Word (Eph 2:8-9).
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