The bible cautions us not to (necessarily) lean on our own understanding. This sounds reasonable, perhaps even wise, but then a troubling question arises: when and when not are we to lean on our own understanding*?
The dilemma in this situation is that any assessment as to whether we can justify our own reasoning can only ever be based on things presupposed. For instance, if one's own understanding compels him to believe God is good, then he is of course justified in using his own understanding. However, if one's own understanding compels him to believe God is bad (at least sometimes), then he is unjustified in using his own understanding. Satan must be playing tricks on his mind! Or perhaps he has deluded himself?
The important thing to point out is that NO reasoning is used at all! In fact, IT CAN NEVER BE! That God is always and all good is supported by a presupposed belief, devoid of any reasoning. Of course the reasoning which clearly opposes the presupposed belief that God is always and all good (that God is bad, at least sometimes) is considered "faulty". As such, the inference is completely abandoned.
Therefore, the usage of reasoning was either used 1) to confirm something already believed or 2) to flatly reject something clearly in opposition to what was already believed!
It seems then that reason is forever prohibited in the context of a biblical interpretation. Perhaps this is just how God wants things?
*It would be a vicious lie if I ever claimed my own reasoning and understanding never let me down. However, I believe it serves me well more often than not.
The dilemma in this situation is that any assessment as to whether we can justify our own reasoning can only ever be based on things presupposed. For instance, if one's own understanding compels him to believe God is good, then he is of course justified in using his own understanding. However, if one's own understanding compels him to believe God is bad (at least sometimes), then he is unjustified in using his own understanding. Satan must be playing tricks on his mind! Or perhaps he has deluded himself?
The important thing to point out is that NO reasoning is used at all! In fact, IT CAN NEVER BE! That God is always and all good is supported by a presupposed belief, devoid of any reasoning. Of course the reasoning which clearly opposes the presupposed belief that God is always and all good (that God is bad, at least sometimes) is considered "faulty". As such, the inference is completely abandoned.
Therefore, the usage of reasoning was either used 1) to confirm something already believed or 2) to flatly reject something clearly in opposition to what was already believed!
It seems then that reason is forever prohibited in the context of a biblical interpretation. Perhaps this is just how God wants things?
*It would be a vicious lie if I ever claimed my own reasoning and understanding never let me down. However, I believe it serves me well more often than not.
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