Critical thinking and education is linked to loss of faith

[quietthinker]

It's hard not to sometimes. But the last one I dated tried to play me, and she was 60 years old! I thought older ladies didn't bring drama but I guess I was wrong!

There was a couple times I asked the Lord to protect my eyes when I go to the grocery story. That worked great.

haha....playing is da game, MA....being onto it helps.....and regarding eye protection, did you get some super dark shades?

 

[Skovand]

In my opinion, education and religion are closely related things. Educated people should know more about religion and vice versa. There are moments when you don't really want to study. Then you should use support original essay help and devote your free time to spiritual development. Going to church or to the pool is very useful for the body and health.

Like with anything there is a gradient of knowledge and the wisdom on how to employ it. There are many who know very little about the Bible. They read it as a face value text that lacks any solid understanding on what it meant to ancient people. There are many who do the same with complex theories.

For example my degree is in botany, focused on evolutionary ecology, specifically the interactions within habitat systems. The focus of these systems was angiosperms and pollinators. Even more specifically, its focus was nocturnally fragrant blooms and moths. So I have a very good grasp of the new modern synthesis. Secondarily I spent just over two years, not very long at all, doing biblical studies focused on the Torah. Since then I’ve spent thousands of hours reading the entire Bible dozens of times and reading a few hundred commentaries or books focused on exploring the stories of the Bible. This lead to studying bronze and Iron Age literature from Mesopotamia and the great ancient near Middle East.

So because of being a Christian who approaches the Bible less literally, and fully support the scientific consensus I often meet ignorant and arrogant people on both sides. I meet atheists who don’t even understand the theory of evolution or the various hypothesis on abiogenesis. They sometimes will even think they know more just because they are atheists before I start to quickly leave them behind in scientific jargon and critically questioning them on the scientific method and processes. Same for Christians. In this forum there are many who equally don’t understand the science or Bible. Sometimes one can know a lot of simple things at face value reading while also not knowing anything more in depth about other issues .

 

[MA2444]

haha....playing is da game, MA....being onto it helps.....and regarding eye protection, did you get some super dark shades?

I already had those, lol. but I learned how to dress down so women wont want to approach me, lol. I got approached four times since I been here! Now I aint as handsome as I used to be, so I must have been dressing like a man with a job before, lol! Dressing down works good!

 

[MA2444]

For example my degree is in botany, focused on evolutionary ecology, specifically the interactions within habitat systems. The focus of these systems was angiosperms and pollinators.

If this is true then why do you insist at times that gay people or transformer people were born like that? Why couldn't they have evolved in to being a homo? Influenced by the habitat of their youth? So correct me if I'm wrong, but why do transformers flock to Christian sites for acceptance? Is it because they seek to change us and pollinate us?Because if that's the case, whoa don't let a Transformer pollinate you! Don't get any on you!

 

[The Learner]

I am going to try to respond to this without being rude, but oh My! You are wrong and insulting and obviously uncomprehending.

You obviously know little about Christianity or the history thereof. First off you are wrong about the Catholic Church “being behind most of the world’s scientific advancements and education.” You are just trying to pull in the Protestant hatred of the Catholic Church to make your point. The Catholics killed the thinkers during the Renaissance and burnt schools and books. And in the 17th century they still insisted that the world was flat and stationary and set on a foundation, and the universe….the moon and sun revolved around it. How can you be more wrong?

And as far as your claim that those----that are both educated and religious such as theologians, are largely disingenuous and intellectually dishonest-victims of cognitive dissonance and mental gymnastics. Is both rude and uninformed.

I am both a Theologian and a Historian. I have spent my life in one form or another of formal education in 5 countries. Because someone knows more about a topic is not a negative. Some try to suggest that only the stupid and uneducated can understand the truth about Christianity and the spiritual side. I walk with Christ everyday. And Theologians and Historians do not prescribe to the mainstream in anyway.

Watch for yourself, only the stupid and uneducated promote all of what you said to justify their ignorance and suggest that stupid means biblically knowledgeable and spiritual.

Then you have those that do not go to church or college and develop their beliefs sitting at home in a lazy boy, I call them “the church of ones.” And they try to convince people that the Holy Spirit has taught them the real truth….The problem is the “the church of ones” usually do not agree with each other…

So is the Holy Spirit playing a joke and going around to people in lazy boy churches and telling them different things. Sounds like a joke on the ignorant and uneducated and then they go out speaking garbage about Christ, the Bible, and Christianity. This has been going on for a long time, no wonder there are so many Protestant denominations, people preaching things from the podium of ignorance. The ignorant leading Christianity is a bad thing.

 

[The Learner]

I think that the reason why so many Christians end up absconding their faith as they learn more about science and history is because the specific niche of Christianity they were raised up in. But many deconstruct from a young earth creationism and an angry god and reconstructs into a healthier pro science faith.

A major problem being anti-intellectual in those churches.

 

[The Learner]

This is where God Placed me

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

 

[The Learner]

I think you are partly right and partly wrong. Critical thinking does not lead people to God, the Holy Spirit does.

But we were given critical thinking for a purpose.

Proverbs 14:15 – The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

2 Timothy 2:7 – Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

1 Thessalonians 5:21- But test everything; hold fast what is good.

Critical thinking enables us to establish that doctrines central to the Christian faith are based solidly on scripture, reason, and available evidences. We find that these doctrines stand up to a careful examination. Hard questions are welcome, since solid answers await them.

Critical thinking have a major role in me coming to Jesus and remaining faithful to him.

 

[The Learner]

Well I will stick to what I said, that critical thinking would never lead anyone to God.... and his Son.

In your post, you have now addresses something new that I never discussed, doctrines......etc....Even in these affairs, the Spirit of God will lead one to the correct doctrines. Unfortunately, man's critical thinking has led them to many false doctrines, that leads many away from God.
just saying...

blind false teachers lead people to fall into a hole.

 

[The Learner]

But we are sentient beings so we have to think. Scripture tells us to meditate upon the scriptures and the Kingdom of God all the day long, so you can't get away from it. Because when we read the word it feeds our spirit and goes into our spirit...but it also gets dumped into the carnal mind. So the way I figure it, is if you read te word with your carnal mind, you get led into false doctrines. If you read the word from the spirit, you get led into the truth.

Luke 10:27
The man answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ Also, ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’”

 

[The Learner]

Well that is closer to my thoughts...thoughts linked to the Spirit of God. Although the term 'critical' thinking need to be more precisely defined. It is not just being prudent, or wise, or even being of a sound mind. These are human qualities that we are to use of course. It is when the term 'critical' becomes or reaches the heights or the realms of egotism and self-centeredness where is can easily become poison to the heart and soul.

When I first got saved, I asked God for wisdom.

 

[The Learner]

Totally agree with your generational assessment of younger generations being dumbed down, with non-critical thought(s), deliberately programmed by the elite, of all kinds, I might say...

So when they, the younger generations have to apply some analysis and acute thinking on any topic it is found wanting. They lack this God-given skill and training and rely on the mass media, corrupt leaders of all kinds on all levels, and now forms of AI etc.

Being stubborn helps to resist communist, socialist brainwashing of schools.

 

[The Learner]

Too late, I'm on the ceiling already!

 

[The Learner]

My crowd isn't the problem. Essentially the entirety of Christian media is contrary to Christianity. And, then I have to ask, how can godly people support ungodly media? They can't. I no longer believe in the transformative power of faith in Christ. I think Christians are just as unregenerate as anyone else, except with a Christian flavor.

Consider if you see an article titled," Five Ways to Pray More Effectively", you might think that's a nice Christian article. But, when I read it, I know it'll just make me want to puke. Five ways to bake better bred? Five ways to better control the spirits in a seance? Five ways to try to manipulate God for personal gain.

It goes down hill from there.

Christian media???

 

[The Learner]

Many who are Christians leaves the faith because of being forced to choice either a hyper conservative anti scientific form of Christianity or either reject that for a more compassionate, science affirming atheism. But many of those who it, are coming back because they’ve found very liberal love driven science affirming forms of Christianity supported by biblical scholarship.

 

[The Learner]

cool wife is home

 

[MA2444]

Critical thinking have a major role in me coming to Jesus and remaining faithful to him.

Me too. Though I was stubborn and so He had to make bigger changes for me to get my attention!

 

[Matthias]

“Applying these three foundational tips in your daily life is an excellent start for developing the art and skill of critical thinking.

1. Know and pursue truth wisely: Truth is an objective reality that corresponds with, rather than contradicts, the actual state of things. By analyzing, observing, and submitting to objective truth, you will become more aware of the facts that support your Christian beliefs. Proverbs 4:7 advises, ‘The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.’ Solomon emphasizes the importance of pursuing wisdom as you acquire knowledge and understanding to overcome life’s challenges as a Christian.”

Critical Thinking: The Secret Weapon of Confident Christians

Jason Jimenez proposes three confidence-boosting critical thinking skills for Christians.

crossexamined.org

 

[Matthias]

“2. Stay grounded in God’s Word: Sadly, less than 20% of self-proclaimed Christians read the Bible daily. Of those who do, the majority only read one verse a day. Reading portions of the Bible daily will enhance your knowledge of Scripture, provide moral fortitude, give insight into wise decision-making, and help you resist temptations.”

Critical Thinking: The Secret Weapon of Confident Christians

Jason Jimenez proposes three confidence-boosting critical thinking skills for Christians.

crossexamined.org

 

[Matthias]

“3. Embrace questions and objections: Christians should be the last to shy away from people who object to or challenge their faith. Peter directly speaks to this when he affirms, ‘But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect’ (1 Peter 3:15). Don’t be afraid when someone asks you tough questions about your beliefs. Be prepared to explain why you believe in what you do. If you don’t know the answer to a question, make an effort to research and understand the material. Studying and understanding the material thoroughly will enable you to communicate effectively with others. Lastly, remember always to be respectful towards others, even if their beliefs are different from yours.

I hope you have been challenged to continue developing your critical thinking skills. This will not only keep you informed and prevent you from being deceived, but it will also increase your passion for God’s truth and enable you to become a great defender of the Christian faith. We need more defenders of the faith, and I believe you have the potential to become one!”

Critical Thinking: The Secret Weapon of Confident Christians

Jason Jimenez proposes three confidence-boosting critical thinking skills for Christians.

crossexamined.org