I love you DDN, I have since I first read any of your stuff here, and you have truly learned how to think critically. That is exactly what I have been learning to do for the last seven weeks since I started college to be an architect. But in all truth, I have questioned my own beliefs for as long as I can remember, I have analyzed every strand of Christianity, until it made since strictly from reason. : DDN: And please don't insult me with inane responses like "Because the bible says so". I KNOW the bible says that the bible is the truth.
This insults me as well. My parents think that all the critical thinking about Christianity is a waist of time. They see the Word of God as being able to stand on its own. This I believe but I also know that someone who does not believe the Bible is infallible will not care if I say, “Because the bible says so,” then arguing from the Bible is a waste of time. When arguing we must start with something all men agree on, and that is reason.
Many of my friends agree with me, in fact we are adamant about people that say, “Because the bible says so.” I believe that it makes Christianity look bad when Christians can’t explain in detail why their doctrines are founded on truth using only reason and logic. The word for argument in Plato’s Republic is the common Greek word “Logos.” Of course you are familiar with John’s use of the word. I believe that Yeshua would want us to think critically about the beliefs of his church.
: DDN: What does that mean exactly? (talking about truth) Do you mean it is THE Truth or do you mean to say only that it is true (as opposed to false)?
I am talking about the observable and explainable truth that every man can see around him. Laws you might say. The law of Gravity, etc… We must start at these things because who ever you are you must believe in these things. The desk I am sitting at is solid because I can touch it and feel it. Most cultures on earth do not disagree with this view of the world. Since I believe we must start an argument with reason, what better place to start then the truth. Those things all men believe in. With time the argument can be made that will draw a rational man from the things around him and his own rationality its self to the knowledge of God and other fundamental realities. By rational man, I assert that all men and women are rational and thus capable of self-rule.
By fundamental realities I mean the types of knowledge that comes from such fields as quantum physics and metaphysics and beyond. In theory there are other world, universes that complement our own. Understanding of these would allow for a better understanding of our own universe; furthermore this understanding should be derived from simply observing our world and thinking critically.
: DDN: And how are you defining Christianity? Which of the 8,000,000 forms of Christianity are you talking about? All of them? Is Christianity the Church? Which church? The Bible? Which bible? King James? Standard Revised? Catholic?
I am defining Christianity as the Christianity that can be seen in the Bible, the whole Bible, and can be reasoned out, explained through reason and argument.
: DDN: And whose interpretation of the bible constitutes true Christianity? Yours? Mine? Swaggering Jimmy's? Tammy Fay Baker-face? How about the Spanish Inquisitors' interpretation? If that's "truth" then I can't wait to get to hell.
“True Christianity” is not left up to interpretation, it can be derived from simple truths, and thus it is true no matter what Jimmy Swagert or Tammy Fay Baker or even Paul say. Is it observable in nature that a group of a certain species kills another whole species for power sake. Quite the contrary, there is an ecosystem which regulates life, keeping it in equilibrium. It is only man with free will that will destroy a whole race or species, man chooses to disobey fundamental laws of nature that normally keep all species in a peaceful equilibrium.
: DDN: And what part of the Bible are we talking about here? New Testament? Old Testament? Direct quotes from Jesus only? Which one's? John's? Paul's? Ringo's?
I am talking about the whole bible, everything God says, Jesus says, and all the prophets and apostles, and the kings and poets all the other people that wrote the Bible. But again if it is true, then it should be able to be explained using reason.
: DDN: Be a radical revolutionary for a minute and really try to answer the question: "How do you KNOW its the truth"?
Through out my whole response I have endeavored to explain that truth can only be proved through a scientific observation and critical thinking. I am actually a revolutionary when it comes to other Christians. Take my parents for example, who do not understand why I wish to find out why what many people believe is true. So many people, who take Christianity at face value, using blind faith, lose the awesome opportunity to understand WHY it is true. The argument is the most powerful thing we as humans have to express our selves, because no matter what we believe we are all rational. Argument is that which allows us all to communicate no matter what our background or worldview. Logos has so many meanings but there was a type of paradigm for me when I realized that Yeshua is described as the Word or the Logos; and that the Logos must be the Devin argument, the fundamental truth behind all things. He is reason and logic.
This type of analyzing the Christian doctrines using reason and logic is called apologetics. It is the genre of writers like Coleridge, St. Agustine and C.S. Lewis. C.S. Lewis is my personal favorite.
: DDN: [I'm taking my time in responding to the remainder of Ryan's post because I simply do not understand it? When I figure out what it is I don't understand about it, I reply of some sort will be eminent.]
In my previous response I was upset that DDN had not responded to the rest of the argument in my essay “Christianity is not a Religion.” DDN’s oppositions to my essay were explained in detail in latter parts of the essay he never addressed. His counter arguments seemed to be written with total disregard of the last half of the essay. Here he states that he does not understand the last half of the essay. These ideas are derived from my social studies/philosophy class at Drury University called Alpha Seminar. In this class we are learning about differing worldviews and what the ramifications of these views are. We are learning to think critically, though I have done this for some time, the last seven weeks have seen an incredible expansion in my knowledge base, wisdom and critical thinking skills. This essay is a fruit of these studies. I admit that due to my classes; I should repost this every day since I learn so much every day. I come to a new paradigm every time I sit down for one of Dr. Ess’ classes. By the way Dr. Ess is not a Christian; his belief system is more eclectic.
As for you DDN, you teach me something every time I read you work here. Do you post anywhere else? I would like to challenge you to be a revolutionary your self. You seem to have one or two objections to Christianity, and all your arguments revolve around them. To your credit you know what you are talking about, you are very knowledgeable. That is something I respect. I will be reposting with a new essay to get your response before I turn in another formal writing assignment. I hope that will respond to you objections that you have posted in response to my original essay. Please try to respond to the last half of the essay. Rereading it I feel frustrated knowing that in only two weeks I have grown enough to write an even better message. I feel the need to reach toward perfection.
