"Presuppositional" apologetics gets its name from its emphasis on the presuppositions of both parties in an apologetic discussion. Everyone holds to certain assumptions which determine how they will interpret the facts being discussed. No one comes to these sorts of debates with a truly "open" mind. We all have a set of "givens" that we take for granted as we argue for or against a particular viewpoint.
Because of this, every line of reasoning is ultimately circular. Now, "circularity" is considered a logical fallacy, and when the circle is particularly tight, that's true. However, when you get to the ultimate things, the "transcendentals" which make an argument work (more on this next time), circularity is inescapable. This is because a matrix of presuppositions is held which sets the course of the argument. Take for example the issue of authority. An atheist may base his argument on "science" which means that empirical observation interpreted by his mind is his ultimate authority. He has no way to test the validity of this authority by the scientific method. He will nonetheless assume the ultimacy of his reason in all of his argumentation for the authority of his reason over against the Bible.
This demonstrates the fact that there is no "neutral ground" in this sort of conversation. There is no area of logic, science, math, or whatnot that the Christian and non-Christian see the same way. Our conflicting presuppositions oppose one another in the way we look at everything.
Further, there is no religiously neutral ground. The Biblical worldview declares that every fact of nature gives a clear revelation of God. Jesus says he who is not with Him is against Him. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Those who deny the Creator God of the Bible deny Him everywhere they turn, in every facet of life. Their suppression of the truth in unrighteousness creates a set of presuppositions which color every fact of the unbeliever's experience.
Next time, we will look at how the defender of the Faith uses this knowledge to demonstrate the rationality of the Christian religion.
3 comments:
great stuff, johnny. Especially for those of us who are interested but ignorant with regard to this stuff.
one note, though. maybe we're looking in different spots, but Jesus actually said (perhaps in addition to what you'referring to here), "those who are not against us are with us" (mark 9).
that doesn't change the substance of your teaching here, but i've always thought that was an interesting caveat, though certainly deserving of some context (he was talking, far as i can tell, about misguided religious folk with good intentions and questionable ordination). i hope you know me well enough to know that i have no agenda in pointing that out (and i certainly have no desire to propogate some kind universalism or liberalism or any other silly ism), other than to show that Jesus is quite the strange fellow, always making us stop and turn our presuppositions on their ear.
thanks for blogging all this. it saves me monopolizing your time the next 6-7 gigs that we -- Lord willing -- do together.
Hi Ross. I was actually referring to Matthew 12:30. "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters."
But it does work either way. Those (unbelievers) who are not with us in our interpretation of the world through the Biblical teaching, have a view of the facts which is ultimately antithetical to ours.
yeah, see that? Jesus said BOTH of those things. Go figure.
Again, great stuff Johnny. You're the smartest drummer i know.
OK, that doesn't sound as good written down as it did in my head.
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