Job 38:2: Difference between revisions
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This verse can be (ab)used as a knock-down argument by either side in any competition between biblical and scientific evidence, equivalent to "what would ''you'' know?" — an implied or explicit [[Unworthy Arguments#adhominem|ad hominem argument]]. It was quoted by Brother T Griffith in his [[T Griffiths, Axiomata|passionate reply]] to | This verse can be (ab)used as a knock-down argument by either side in any competition between biblical and scientific evidence, equivalent to "what would ''you'' know?" — an implied or explicit [[Unworthy Arguments#adhominem|ad hominem argument]]. It was quoted by Brother T Griffith in his [[T Griffiths, Axiomata|passionate reply]] to {{CCW}}, in defence of his Bible-based belief in [[Geocentrism]] – extract below. — [[User:Bruce|Bruce]] | ||
<blockquote>“Obscurantism” finds a clear Bible definition in God’s query to Job,—''“Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?”'' (Job 38:2). To enable Job to realise the measure of his ignorance and the folly of his obscurantism, the Lord further interrogates: ''“Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if thou hast understanding?”'' [See [[Job 38:4-7]]]. | <blockquote>“Obscurantism” finds a clear Bible definition in God’s query to Job,—''“Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?”'' (Job 38:2). To enable Job to realise the measure of his ignorance and the folly of his obscurantism, the Lord further interrogates: ''“Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if thou hast understanding?”'' [See [[Job 38:4-7]]]. | ||
Revision as of 09:23, 26 March 2021
2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
This verse can be (ab)used as a knock-down argument by either side in any competition between biblical and scientific evidence, equivalent to "what would you know?" — an implied or explicit ad hominem argument. It was quoted by Brother T Griffith in his passionate reply to C. C. Walker, in defence of his Bible-based belief in Geocentrism – extract below. — Bruce
“Obscurantism” finds a clear Bible definition in God’s query to Job,—“Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2). To enable Job to realise the measure of his ignorance and the folly of his obscurantism, the Lord further interrogates: “Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if thou hast understanding?” [See Job 38:4-7].
We need not stay to discuss the answer of Job to such a question, beyond stating that according to the belief of God-fearing men of ancient times he could have no doubt in his mind as to the earth having real material foundations in the waters beneath.
The verse in its context is also understood to say that we should study the natural world before making pronouncements upon it. For example:
When discussing creation and evolution it is important to remember that the heavens declare the glory of God, and that the Bible points us to Creation to enrich our understanding of God’s truth. Nature is God’s self evident witness; day after day and night after night it reveals knowledge of God’s eternal power, righteousness and divine attributes, so much so that God holds all men morally accountable and without excuse.[1] God even scolds his most beloved servants when, oblivious to the implications of the natural world surrounding them, they “hide counsel by words without knowledge.”[2]
- [1] Psalm 19:1-4, Psalm 50:6, Romans 1:20
- [2] Job 38:2
- Creation & Evolution: How should Christadelphians respond? January 2014
- (submission to AACE)
| ← prev. . . . references to geocentrism . . . next → |
| ← prev. . . . references relevant to the waters above the firmament and/or below the earth . . . next → |
