Are You Thinking Critically About What You Think You Know?

In the quest for knowledge, are you genuinely understanding, or merely possessing information? There's a significant difference between truly comprehending something and simply accepting the opinions of so-called "experts." Often, what we consider knowledge is just an interpretation of religious texts by self-proclaimed authorities. When we discuss the Bible, we frequently echo the sentiments of pastors or theologians rather than sharing insights gained from our own critical examination.

Why is it so crucial to understand and prove what you believe? It’s not unusual to care deeply about the foundation of your faith. Yet, many are content to inherit knowledge without personal investigation. Instead of delving into the Bible themselves, they rely on interpretations from supposed religious leaders and scholars. This approach stifles the intellect and undermines our spiritual growth.

We possess brains, hearts, and minds for a reason—to think critically and feel deeply. The Bible encourages this kind of reflective practice, stating, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning,” (Proverbs 9:9).

Do you realize that much of what you learn from religious leaders isn't considered Bible-based understanding? Many pastors and scholars merely propagate interpretations rooted in tradition and philosophy rather than the undefiled wisdom of the Bible. This is why it's essential to scrutinize and validate your beliefs through personal study and reflection.

The Bible often speaks of “the sons of men” and “the sons of God.” For instance, Solomon distinguishes between the labor given to the sons of men and the wisdom, knowledge, and joy granted to the good in God’s sight (Ecclesiastes 2:26). In biblical terms, a “son” isn't just a literal offspring but a messenger or minister of religious doctrine. Likewise, a “man” symbolizes a priest, prophet, or spiritual leader.

A “son of man” thus represents someone whose spiritual understanding is derived from previous religious traditions and teachings. This inherited knowledge can sometimes overshadow the original vision of the Bible. The “sons of men” are often caught up in philosophical interpretations, blinding them to the true essence of biblical wisdom. I have given a presentation on who the sons of men and the sons of God are.

To develop a profound understanding of the Bible, we must personally engage with its words. This means moving beyond the secondhand interpretations offered by others and cultivating our own insights. As we critically analyze and weigh what we've been taught against the actual text, we can attain a deeper comprehension of our belief.

We need to be able to answer the question: Who am I? By critically examining our beliefs, we become proficient in the Bible's language of wisdom. This transformation is urged in Romans 12:2: “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

We are designed to think and to feel, to labor wisely with our hearts and minds. Embracing critical thinking and “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) leads to sure knowledge that we can live by. This journey involves both learning and unlearning, guided by acquired wisdom from the Bible, for our personal growth and the edification of those around us.

We have a responsibility to nurture our faith’s intellect. Remaining solely under the teachings of the “sons of men” can limit our spiritual understanding. Instead, by examining the Bible personally and critically, we can discover its profound truths and apply them to our lives. This approach not only enriches our own spiritual journey but also benefits those within our influence, fostering a community grounded in the Bible’s true wisdom.

Blind Love and Unseen Faith: Rethinking Religious Tradition and True Righteousness

“They" say that love is blind. Is this true? While we may not fully comprehend the mechanisms or timing of love, we undoubtedly embrace its mystery in our lives. How is it that we see and acknowledge what we cannot understand? How do we, in matters of faith, care for what is unseen?

This question strikes at the core of religion, which often assures its followers that through adherence to laws, deeds, beliefs, and rituals, we care for the "body" of our faith, which is ultimately invisible. But does the Bible support this method of caring for our faith? Is the saying wrong, “If righteousness comes by the law, then Christ died in vain”? (Galatians 2:21)

This passage illuminates our query. By applying our faith to "righteousness," we nurture it correctly. But what is "righteousness" in this context? According to the passage, "righteousness" is equated with religious laws, rituals, policies, theories, rites, and ceremonies. Yet, the author argues that this traditional religious approach is not the true definition of righteousness.

If this form of worship and service were acceptable, then the chief apostle of the living God died for nothing. This assertion is bold. Observing our religious traditions, we find practices that the book of Galatians advises against. The author of Matthew echoes this sentiment, stating:

"I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven," Matthew 5:20.

What is the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? They reject the commandment of God to keep their own tradition, Mark 7:9, and the prophet says, "This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men," Isaiah 29:13. Their "righteousness" is performing traditional religious law for supposed divine favor.

This much is true: maintaining our faith through religious laws and traditions is a form of devotion the Bible does not endorse. This practice is unhealthy because it creates a false sense of devotion through routine, convincing the individual they are favored by their actions. According to the Bible, this act is misguided.

What opposes the “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees? What counters traditional religious thought and feeling? The scriptures advise, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," Romans 12:2, and, "Concerning the work of my hands command ye me," Isaiah 45:11, and, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," Psalm 111:10.

We nourish our spiritual body with spiritual food. The sustenance for our faith is the wisdom gained from challenging the scriptures to prove themselves. Yes, we can demand proof of the Creator's work! Yes, the living God expects us to question and engage with the scriptures! Yes, we have the right to confront the living God about our personal and devotional struggles! This is expected of us.

We argue with our siblings, spouses, associates, and friends for respect, but we shy away from questioning the living God. Does that make sense?

"Let me not argue with God," we think. "Let me either commit to ritual and silently please the “God” I'm too afraid to engage with, or abandon the act and despise the one I need to confront," we continue. Does this make sense? Instead of turning to the source of our experience, we hide within ourselves or seek solace in others' consciences. Does this make sense?

True care for our faith is demonstrated through our engagement with the living God. Though there is no physical figure to argue with, it doesn't mean it's impossible. We argue with the living God by thoughtfully, patiently, and privately wrestling with the scriptures. "Care," according to the Bible, is shown through exercising our minds on what troubles us. If we do this, it will be said of us, "The LORD hath loved him," Isaiah 48:14.

The Essence of Biblical Spirituality: A Journey of Balance, Wisdom, and Inner Peace

Concerning the BIble’s philosophy, I am often asked about the essence of its significance. There are real seekers out there, seekers not merely curious about the Christian theory or its preconceived notions; they yearn to grasp the meaning behind the Bible's spiritual understanding. This exploration reveals a fascinating shift in human comprehension, where traditional views of spiritual intelligence and devotional beauty are giving way to deeper inquiries into the fundamental counsel and wisdom embedded within the Bible.

The core of the BIble’s philosophy is about achieving balance within the devotional and the natural self. Consider that the ultimate goal of the Bible is to harmonize the human condition through the personal discovery and application of its wisdom. This can be perfectly encapsulated in one powerful sentence from Psalm 119:165: "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

Possessing the law (in context, philosophy) of the living God bestows a unique peace that fosters balance. But what is this law? While it might seem natural to link David's words to the Mosaic law and its associated religious practices, doing so would be a misinterpretation. The law given by Moses did not inherently increase peace.

True peace is added to our minds when we exercise the Bible’s words. The peace that is given from such an act arises from a desire to know the intention within those words, leading to our edification. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes, "Without faith it is impossible to please him," while Galatians 3:12 reminds us, "The law is not of faith." Relying on written religious laws, which is the standard religious experience, to find peace ultimately leads to disappointment and spiritual unrest, as it fails to fulfill the promise of edification through self-regulated learning.

David, the psalmist, understood this profound truth. He speaks of a deeper law that brings peace to the inner self, as seen in Psalm 51:6: "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom," and Psalm 51:10: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

It's crucial to remember that "the law (religious law) is not of faith" (Galatians 3:12) and that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23); to the Bible’s mind, all religious law is defined as “sin.” The law David speaks of is a principle of mental creation and renewal, a counsel that nurtures personal faith, affecting the inward parts of our devotional life, fostering wisdom, and adding peace when we fully embrace it.

Paul's illustration of the living God's chief apostle suffering on the cross serves as an allegory for our personal spiritual journey. In Galatians 3:13, Paul writes, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us," echoing Deuteronomy 21:23: "He that is hanged is accursed of God." This crucifixion symbolizes the rejection of the belief that adherence to written religious laws justifies and satisfies the experience.

Understanding this allegory means recognizing that sincere justification and peace with the living God, ourselves, and others is through a different path than a traditional religious experience. Romans 3:20 asserts, "By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight." Instead, peace is achieved through a wisdom that fosters inner creation and renewal, as Paul describes in Romans 8:2: "The law of the Spirit of life…hath made me free..."

The law that adds peace is the law of the Bible’s life. When we engage with this law or principle, we move beyond the prescriptions of Moses, embracing the healing character within the Bible’s words. David connects this wisdom to creation and renewal because true peace emerges when our minds are refreshed by the Bible's philosophy, as Ephesians 4:23 advises: "Be renewed in the spirit of your mind."

David's prayer reveals the mission of achieving balance through spiritual renewal. By cultivating a new devotional mind, we instruct our inner self to regenerate and reform. Handling the Bible's words personally allows us to move beyond the general human and religious state, described in Romans 7:15: "That which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I."

This imbalance is corrected through mental regeneration, freeing our minds from "philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men" (Colossians 2:8). In doing so, we can focus on the Bible's words, gaining knowledge and applying it to our lives.

In this pursuit of balance and renewal, we find the true essence of biblical spirituality—a journey of balance, wisdom, and inner peace.