Adrian, in another post, wrote: "I am reminded of an article by David
Snoke published in PSCF years ago, in which he argued against the myth of
certainty. I am well aware of this line of reasoning, but nevertheless, I
see a need to draw a line somewhere. "
I know the article. I was the person who first put it into the ASA web
site (as well as elsewhere). It is a good article. I happen to not be
persuaded as Snoke is, but I found it to present his case better than
anything else I'd seen at that time.
"If it is true that we cannot assume anything to be true (certain enough
that it
would be foolish not to believe it), then where do we even begin? Maybe
the
bible is all made up. Maybe all the historical witness to the existence
of
Christ is also made up. Maybe postmodernism is infecting us more than we
realize."
My own investigations into postmodernism have greatly expanded my
thinking. (I think). This month friend wife and I are studying THE
MEANING OF JESUS by Borg and Wright. Some people don't like to read stuff
with which they do not agree. We thrive on it.
"Another point is that even if one were to adopt your open position of
subjecting everything to reexamination, I think it is unrealistic to
expect
everyone to do so. How many people on this LISTSERV (mostly very bright,
thoughtful intellectuals) actually sat down and reexamined the principle
of
sola Scriptura, or the doctrine of the Trinity? How many actually took
the
time to read the historical arguments and examined their own
presuppositions? How many spend time questioning everything that they
have
been taught to believe as true? I think it is clear that most people,
most
of the time, do not even question most of their beliefs, and if they did,
it
would lead many to despair."
We all only have 24 hours a day. But someone once said "The unexamined
life is not worth living." That is close to being my own life's motto. I
only do what I MUST do -- what others do -- how much examining they do on
what is life's most important subject -- is their call, not mine. I know
that my own studies have not "led me to despair." I also know that the
theological position I had 20 years ago has changed considerably since
that time. I find myself richer for the experiences.
"Some thoughts of mine for your consideration."
Appreciated.
John Burgeson (Burgy)
http://www.burgy.50megs.com
(science/theology, quantum mechanics, baseball, ethics,
humor, cars, philosophy and much more)
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