Wisdom and critical thinking
From Reconciling understandings of Scripture and Science
(Redirected from Critical thinking)
Practical, correct and critical thinking is an essential part of the wisdom of the Bible. The following verses are frequently quoted to encourage critical thinking:
- Proverbs 11:14
- Proverbs 14:15
- Proverbs 18:13
- Ecclesiastes 7:11-13
- Isaiah 5:12 — q.v. for Rabbi Sacks’ comment on why there have been so many Jewish Nobel Prize winners
- Acts 17:11 — John Thomas on a "Berean spirit"
- Ephesians 4:14
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
- 1 John 4:1
- Revelation 2:2
| Take a tour of these verses beginning here → |
Weighing Evidence
Weighing evidence is an important part of critical thinking, explicitly commended in the Bible.
- 1 John 4:1 (also listed above)
- Philippians 4:8
- 1 Timothy 5:19
- Deuteronomy 19:15
- Proverbs 14:12-15 (also listed above)
The Bible contains instructive examples of doing it well and badly. For example:
- Contrasting responses to Jesus' miracles: Matthew 9:32-34
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (also listed above)
- 2 Peter 3:15-18
Interpreters of the Bible also seek evidence by which to test and prove their interpretations. Examples of contexts where evidence is disputed include:
See also:
- Unworthy Arguments
- The Language of the Bible with Reference to Natural Things
- Prof. James Dunn cited here re Paul's references to Adam
- Psalm 104:24 — Newton’s view
- Science denialism
