Wisdom and critical thinking
From Reconciling understandings of Scripture and Science
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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
