A Christian Philosophical Journey-Online resources

Getting Started

This assignment will have you debate the logical options for testing truth found in Chapter 4 of A Christian Philosophical Journey (CPJ). You will come to understand the differences between sources of knowledge and the values we assign to them. This discussion will also relate to the Christian alternatives of the basis of truth, which is most often a theological argument centering on divine revelation and authority. This scenario is based on the apparent paradox of faith versus reason found in Chapter 4 of the CPJ. It will enable you to determine if seeking truth, or its basis, is not the most important thing to do before we fully engage in philosophy. Again, questioning something does not mean the absence of faith; instead, we use questions to seek the truth, rather than resigning ourselves to weak explanations of reality, which in turn implies that our Christian life/beliefs are also weak.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

  • Integrate philosophical tests for truth with the theological bases for authority.
  • Determine your basis for the interpretation of truth—your hermeneutic.

Resources

  • Textbook: A Christian Philosophical Journey
  • A Standard Translation of the Bible as noted in the syllabus

Instructions

  1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
  2. In Chapter 4 of your textbook, A Christian Philosophical Journey (CPJ), review the three tests for truth in Sections 4.1 and 4.2:
    1. Correspondence
    2. Coherence
    3. Pragmatic
  3. Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following: Use the four-step course methodology of understanding, analysis, evaluation, and application. Write a 150- to 200-word description (three or four paragraphs or at least five observations) about the connection between “testing truth” and following spiritual authority. You may use the Bible for illustrations in application, but notfor proof. You may also want to try to do the synthesis step by coming up with your own new paradigm for these concepts (along with your own illustrations). In the discussion forum answer these questions:
    1. Which of the three tests do you favor or use in life? Are they all valid? Why or why not?
    2. What is the importance of the three bases for Christian authority? John Wesley also included one’s personal encounter with God under the label “Experience” as a fourth category for Christian authority (theology). If you wish, you may also expand your treatment to include this one, which becomes clearer after reading Section 4.3.
    3. Explain the weakness of each of the three positions in Section 4.2 (pre-modern, modern, post-modern). Which of these three positions best reflects your present approach to the truth of scripture? Explain why you default to this hermeneutic. Would you like to change?