As Christians, it is crucial to develop our critical thinking and maintain an informed understanding of our faith. The world is full of misinformation and uncertainty, making it difficult to distinguish between truth and lies. It is not enough for Christians to blindly adhere to traditions or practices inherited from the past. They should critically evaluate and discern the relevance and validity of these traditions in their current context.
With so many different worldviews vying for our attention, it is essential to stay engaged and empowered by our beliefs. Without the intellectual vigor to confront these opposing viewpoints, we risk becoming uninformed and ill-prepared to meet the challenges of contemporary society.
In a recent interview with John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center, I asked him why so many Christians lack the ability to think critically. His first response was that many Christians have not received adequate training in biblical doctrine and have not been catechized in the basic categories of reality. John added: “We live in a world where we are bombarded with lots of information, much of which is neither objective nor neutral. This makes it difficult to determine what to believe and who to trust. Therefore, this era is better called “The Age of Competing Ideas”, which leads to “The Age of Competing Authority”.
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I have seen first-hand how a lack of critical reflection on one’s faith can leave a Christian vulnerable to false teachings or worldly philosophies. Paul warned in Colossians 2:8, “Do not let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human minds and the spiritual powers of this world rather than from Christ” (NLT).
The apostle Paul exhorts us to “test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Christianity is not about accepting things without reservation without resorting to reasoning and intellect. Rather, it’s about having faith while engaging your mind.
Therefore, we must recognize the role of enlightened belief in Christianity and rely on the biblical foundations of critical thinking to equip ourselves with the knowledge to distinguish truth from lies.
Critical thinking is a systematic skill that involves analyzing and evaluating a particular belief, idea, argument, or issue in an unbiased manner. After thoroughly examining and studying the subject, the individual arrives at a conclusion that corresponds to reality and makes the most sense. In Christianity, possessing a biblical worldview means approaching life’s questions with an understanding of God’s Word and appropriate discernment that aligns with biblical doctrine.
I like what David S. Dockery says in his book about being a Christian with a strong worldview. What does it mean to be a thoughtful Christian? Dockery writes: “A Christian worldview is not an escape but an energizing motivation to think and live Godly and faithfully in the here and now. In the midst of life’s challenges and struggles, a Christian worldview gives confidence and hope for the future while helping to stabilize life, serving as an anchor to connect us to God’s faithfulness and steadfastness.
Applying these three fundamental tips in your daily life is a great start to developing art and critical thinking skills.
1.Know and seek the truth wisely: Truth is an objective reality that corresponds to the actual state of things rather than contradicting it. 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: “This is the beginning of wisdom: obtain wisdom, and whatever you obtain, obtain insight. » Solomon emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom by gaining the knowledge and understanding necessary to overcome the challenges of life as a Christian.
2. Stay grounded in the Word of God: Unfortunately, less than 20% of self-proclaimed Christians read the Bible daily. Of those who do, the majority read only one verse per day. Reading portions of the Bible daily will enhance your knowledge of the Scriptures, give you moral strength, give you insight into making wise decisions, and help you resist temptations.
3. Accept questions and objections: Christians should be the last to stay away from people who challenge or challenge their faith. Peter speaks directly to this when he says: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being ready to answer everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you; but do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Don’t be afraid when someone asks you difficult 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 content. Thoroughly studying and understanding the material will allow you to communicate effectively with others. Finally, remember to always be respectful to others , even if their beliefs differ 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!
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