Heroes of the Christian Faith MP3 File CollectionFormat: Downloadable Media
In Heroes of the Christian Faith,
Dr. R.C. Sproul gives biographical sketches of seven of history’s greatest men. Examining the significance of each “hero’s” faith, Dr. Sproul traces each man’s contribution in church history.
Polycarp, Athanasius, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, Augustine, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards.
Very interesting on some of the greatest men in church history!
Rationalism v. Fideism:
Emphasis on ID
From the times of St. Augustine, John Calvin, Martin Luther, and even Jonathan Edwards, the topic of religion and science has always sparked an interest in both scientist and theologian’s minds. The terms religion and science are viewed as just that; religion and science, two absolutely separate themes that could never work together. As Dr. Bill Dembski (leading scientist for Intelligent Design) has shared numerous times, a scientist can believe in Intelligent Design, but once the creator becomes a proper noun into the “Creator”, the scientist is immediately shunned for thinking both science and religion could work together. The models of rationalism and fideism are two standing extremist theories that separate the two departments of religion and science, which leaves no means for reconciliation. Within the two extremes (rationalism being reason alone, fideism being faith alone) there must lay a middle ground, a place where both scientist and theologians can rest comfortably knowing that both logical reasoning and faith are being used together. The intention is to prove that true faith should include reasoning, and true reasoning should include faith.
Rationalism is defined as “Reliance on reason as the best guide for belief and action”[1]. In taking a glance at rationalism, the most important and possibly founding father to the idea is Plato. Platonic thought is primarily based on the idea of universals, which originally seemed to state that universals were either ghost-like or eternally existing in “forms” of every objects that exist (i.e – the redness of an apple, the applehood of an apple, etc.). Most modern thinkers conceive Plato’s idea of universals, which took up both time and space, and original form as Platonic realism. Platonic realism seems the epitome of explanations in a life where faith and God (a god) cannot exist.
Not too far behind this Platonic thinking is rationalism, the idea that all things are rational and reasonable, without any faith at all. The issue normally encountered with a rationalist is explaining things unseen or even “miraculous” type events; without faith there is no basis for miracles or prayer, everything must be follow basic logical thought. Within reason alone, a rationalist trust there mind and reason; they can take comfort in logical arguments and material/visible substances. However, the troubles that are encountered within rationalism become significant because since no faith can be involved, their perspective on life is narrowed. Example: Faith in the goodness of a child; their ability to do something from genuine care, and not selfishness Rationalism dissipates the idea of faith within the child’s genuine action and calls for thorough examination of previous actions in correlation to this particular one, to determine motive.
While rationalism holds a few key points, there are issues where the believer is not only short changing their own beliefs, but affecting everyone around them.
Fideism
Fideism is defined as “Reliance on faith alone rather than scientific reasoning or philosophy in questions of religion.”[2] Under the confines of fideism, a religions person is left with faith alone without science or philosophy ever superseding a faith-based thought. The issues encountered by a faith alone believer often leave out all scientific facts and findings. Science is either considered any enemy or useless. The reality that faith can stand alone without the help of science or philosophy is in itself, irrational. The Bible states in Colossians 1:16 “…by Him [Christ] everything was created, in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible…” The Christian God and Messiah even claims that all things were made by Him, this gives the implication that all of the scientific findings can lead back to Him, if the work is done correctly.
Both rationalism and fideism take the two extremes of religion/faith and science. The middle ground between the two is non-existent, but looking toward the future of science and religion there seems to be an explosion of both departments working together toward truth. A great example of science coinciding with religion is the Intelligent Design movement. Granted the ID movement gives NO specification as to who the creator may be, or what the intelligence may be, but it provides a “faith-based” alternation to Darwinian evolution using scientific fact.[3] Taking irreducible complexity, a theory that views the complexity of nature and humanity, an individual is given the opportunity to examine complex designs that seem to have no transition period. The importance and significance of theories such as Intelligent Design are that they provide an escape to the rationalism found in Darwinian evolution, but they also do not accept fideism because they are using both reason and science for faith based arguments.
The ideal for society and even for anyone faith based is that they can eventually be able to use science to prove the existence of their god. Theories that challenge evolution gives normal individuals a chance review their own faith in light of science. There may be differences between where science holds the truth to be, and where faith holds the truth to be. In any such case, the individual can rationally and reasonably decide within their mind how to solve the dilemma. Advocating for fideism or rationalism is very irrational as ironic as it seems, but providing a place within the scientific community and faith community where both views are freely welcome is on the way. Dr. Bill Dembski made statements that Darwinian evolution is going “belly up”, giving the implication that Intelligent Design is going to provide a reasonable, rational, and scientific look at the creation of the world for faith based scientist.
Noting that both science and religion can work together is NOT advocating theist evolution, in such a case; a person must examine their doctoral beliefs to see what their writings share. In Christianity as an example, Genesis 1 is clear that God created by fiat, meaning He created things complete and fully functional, thus theist evolution does not match up with what the Scriptures teach. The Scripture leaves no room for macro-evolution to work.
Although Darwin, Calvin, Luther, or Edwards will not be able to see the coming future, a new Enlightenment is on the rise, one filled with knowledge, facts, science, and faith. With no advocating for faith alone or reason alone, society must stand back from conventional categories, and realize the ground breaking implications that Intelligent Design brings; a new idea where faith works with reason, and reason works with faith.
[1] Answers.com, 2007, http://www.answers.com/topic/rationalism/ (accessed April 28, 2007).
[2] Answer.com, 2007, http://www.answers.com/fideism/ (accessed April 29,2007).
[3] It is very much note worthy that ID does not side with any particular religion, nor does it advocate in giving the “intelligence” a name.
This quote may be common to some, and new to others.
Regardless, this shows Luther’s understanding of the weight that the Cross carried in redemption but also expresses the love he feels within his relationship with Christ Jesus. The thoughts that are invoked are ones of losing someone that means a lot; someone that has had a vital impact on our life. The reality that Luther felt so close to Christ, he felt as if he had lost his best friend just yesterday, is quite the challenge to complacent or non-active Christians. In a constant pursuit of Christ-likeness, we draw closer to Him whom which we desire to be, thus enhancing a relationship to one that is personal. Conclusion: The quote is not only to show Luther’s immense love for Christ, but to serve as a challenge to love Christ in such a fashion, we truly understand that “…we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:14-16)
Backgrounds of Early Christianity (Ferguson)
This is another book from Ferguson (author of the Church History book) The book explores and unpacks the Roman, Greek, and Jewish political, social, religious, and philosophical backgrounds necessary for a good historical understanding of the New Testament and the early church. This book is a very good resource to add a little more depth to the Church History book. ENJOY!
In the past few weeks I have been captivated by this website:
http://www.godisimaginary.com/
In what I can’t say is the most rational or reasonable attempt to “disprove” God’s existence, this website includes an off sprint Atheist of Sam Harris making, what he feels, are authentic positions to show how imaginary God is. At first I took the stance that the website was nothing more than an attention hungry Atheist struggling with a personal question of God’s existence. After extensive study of the author and the website, it can clearly be seen that this young Atheist is not only troubled, but confused by the hundreds of thousands that flock and gather at what is organized religion. There doesn’t seem to be a desire to understand God, merely crush Him.
My name is Dallas.
I could take the approach of seeming well articulated as well as intelligent, however, in true blog type format I will spell and act like a 12 year old new to Xanga.
Soooo wut it dew? I’mma tell yew bout how I izz…. 
In all honesty, I love life. I consider myself fairly laid back and drama free (minus those plays I was in during high school). I am 20 years old, I work at Cantina Laredo (a gourmet Mexican restaurant) in downtown Fort Worth, I spend lots of time working, sleeping, and maybe doing something productive like sowing. My family is the most incredibly supportive and loving group of people I know. I have 3 brothers, one is in the Army and currently in Iraq, the other is a GM for Quality Chevrolet in ATX, and the other is a kindergarten teacher. I am in my 4th semester at The College and have every intention of graduating before my 10 year high school reunion. I am currently concentrating on Christian Ed. because God has given me a heavy conviction over not only what we teach, but how we teach within the church.
Though there are many experiences and stories I could fill pages of this blog with, I will be subtle and punctual. My testimony is basically this: At 16 I chose to leave my parents house. In looking for somewhere to stay my friend Eric offered up his house, little did I know that his dad was a pastor. A series of events led to me attending church with them by my own free will, as they just loved on me to death. In hearing the Truth preached Sunday after Sunday I came to a faith in Jesus Christ. I don’t know when the sun came up, but I know it’s shining. God revealed to me many things and eventually called me to the ministry putting me here at Southwestern.
God has shown and given me more than I could ever have desired.
The only experience I wish to share is when the most influential man in my life gave me this: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:3-11.
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” Phil. 1:20
This verse defines my life.
P.S – I ran this through spell checker 1000… if there are any errors, it’s the program’s fault.
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