“Keep sound wisdom and discretion; so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.” Proverbs 3:22
The Invitation to Wisdom
This verse from Proverbs clearly expresses what God expects from us: that we keep sound wisdom and discretion. If I am writing this text, it is because it is commonly accepted in so-called Christian circles that there is a sort of opposition between Faith and reasoning. Faith is the element by which we are to accept absurd things, and refusing these things is considered proof of the devil’s dominance. My brothers, we must not remain ignorant on this subject. God has called us to wisdom; He has called us to reflect. He did not ask us to accept “as logical what is illogical and as reasonable what is not.” This is what we aim to discover in the rest of this text.
While it is said in the Bible, “Keep sound wisdom and discretion: so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck,” and that those to whom the apostles preached examined the Scriptures daily to see if what they were told was true, many Christians have believed that the foundation of Faith was precisely the renunciation of wisdom and reflection. Having chosen to become Christians, they have become foolish, confusing Christianity with foolishness. God has called us to Christianity, not foolishness. The Bible invites us to conduct ourselves
“in a sensible, righteous, and godly manner.”
First, in a sensible manner, which refers to ourselves; then, in a righteous manner, which refers to our neighbor; and finally, in a godly manner, which refers to God.
This is, in summary, the line that every man should observe. It implies permanent reflection to avoid deviating from it. In the rest of this article, we propose to show, firstly, the necessity of maintaining wisdom and reflection to serve God, and secondly, that believing in God and serving Him are true expressions of wisdom and reflection. This second phase is approached in a much more scientific than religious manner.
This article is addressed to everyone. For Christians, it will help to better understand their religion and what God expects from them, or simply serve as support for teaching. For non-Christians, it will provide a better perception of true Christianity, and not that of fools who claim to be Christians.
The Necessity of Maintaining Wisdom and Reflection to Serve God
“So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:2-5
“Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” Proverbs 8:10-11
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5
“…That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.” Ephesians 1:17
Wisdom and Faith
Why, despite so many invitations to wisdom and reflection, have so many Christians thought it good to discard wisdom? It is because the teaching of Faith has fundamentally been posed as an instruction opposed to science and reason. Can one truly be a man of Faith and believe in science or human wisdom? Can one be a man of Faith and think when it comes to Faith?
How can a reasonable person believe that Mary conceived Jesus while still a virgin? How can one believe that Jesus Christ resurrected? Does the very belief in the existence of God not oppose reason? Based on such questions, some have hastily concluded that Faith is opposed to reason. The result is that many individuals, whether in good faith or not, have taken the opportunity to teach Christians a large number of false doctrines. In all Christian religions, many individuals sincerely believe in the teachings of these religions, even if they are false. Indeed, convinced that they should not use their usual common sense when it comes to matters of Faith, they are ready to swallow anything. This is a judgment error that we must denounce here.
To clearly position this judgment error, let us talk a little about mathematics, the science of reasoning by excellence. This will allow us to draw a correspondence to better understand and position reasoning in our acts of Faith.
The entire science of mathematics is based on reasoning. Most truths are admitted only at the cost of extremely rigorous demonstrations. As someone once said, there is no evidence except what has been demonstrated. Things are generally not admitted a priori as true. However, a deeper analysis reveals a basis that we often do not pay enough attention to.
The entire science of mathematics rests on axioms. These axioms are statements that are not proven, not provable, but accepted as true. They are not truths that are so evident that they need not be demonstrated. No. They are propositions accepted in order to build mathematical reasoning and theorems. One can build an entire mathematical system by assuming certain axioms are true. At the same time, one can build other coherent mathematical systems by assuming the same axioms are false. The science of mathematics simply does not exist without its axioms.
For example, Euclidean geometry accepts the axiom that from a point not on a line, one and only one parallel can be drawn to that line. This seems true. Nevertheless, non-Euclidean geometries accept that multiple parallels or even none can be drawn. These new geometries are just as coherent as Euclidean geometry and are accepted by all mathematicians.
Incidentally, the fundamental principles of physics that scientists believe in have generally not been demonstrated. They are believed until an experiment proves otherwise. A famous doctor said that “modern medicine is based on about 5000 unproven hypotheses.”
Religion, like mathematical science, needs its axioms to build reasoning. These are undemonstrated statements accepted as true, perceived by common sense as true a priori, even if there is no mathematical demonstration to attest to them (similar to Euclid’s axiom).
From this perspective, the Christian religion has only two fundamental axioms. The first is “There is no God but God,” and the second is “the Bible is the inspired word of God.” If these statements are accepted as axioms, it is unnecessary for a Christian to absolutely seek to prove or demonstrate them, although, like mathematical axioms, they seem so evident to the Christian that their demonstration would not be difficult to provide.
Once we have accepted these axioms, we must not be led astray by false teachings from those who want to make us not Christians but fools and take advantage of our foolishness. Indeed, any Christian affirmation or theory must be demonstrable and provable based on these two axioms. We will see this, for example, in the questions raised above.
Analysis of Fundamental Axioms
“There is no God but God” This simultaneously translates the existence and uniqueness of God. Those who believe it is impossible to rigorously or mathematically prove the existence of God are right. But have they ever obtained proof of their axioms from mathematicians? Have they ever obtained proof of their principles from physicists? Yet, they consider these doctrines to be scientific and believe in them.
To the question, “Have you ever seen God?” I often respond, “Have you ever seen a wave?” The most common answer is, “We see waves every day through their manifestations.” That is true. Similarly, the fundamental principles of mathematics and physics seem to be verified every day. Is it not the same for God?
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” Psalm 19:1
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” Romans 1:18-20.
The existence of man alone would suffice to “prove” the existence of God. Indeed, the complexity of man, that of certain parts of his body alone, would justify the existence of a creator.
“For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” Hebrews 3:4
And who created God? Did He create Himself? And if so, why couldn’t man have created himself? If not, where does He come from?
By definition, God has “neither beginning of days, nor end of life” Hebrews 7:3 . He is. God was not created; otherwise, He would have a beginning. But by definition, He has neither beginning nor end. He is like the mathematical set R. Continuous and infinite.
Some reject the idea of a creator in the name of the theory of evolution. Is this correct? Several questions arise:
- Why would a random evolution have created couples (man, woman), (male, female) that complement each other so admirably?
- Which came first, the egg or the chicken? DNA or proteins?
- …
Let’s go further: are creation and evolution fundamentally opposed? Are today’s planes and Windows XP creations or evolutions?
More scientifically: “Who has proven the non-existence of God?” No one. Therefore, those who consider themselves scientists cannot affirm it. Just as they think that the religious cannot “prove” the existence of God, they must admit that since they cannot prove His non-existence, they cannot affirm it.
It is still possible to use the commonly accepted approach in physical sciences, which is to experiment to conclude. We must experience the grace and existence of God to take a “scientific” position.
Analysis of Fundamental Questions
How can a reasonable person believe that Mary conceived Jesus while still a virgin? How can one believe that Jesus Christ was resurrected?
If we have admitted the omnipotence of God and the truth of the Bible, we acknowledge that nothing is impossible for God and, therefore, that these statements are true. They are theorems derived from our fundamental axioms.
The Danger of Renouncing Reflection
Firstly, let us note that coming to God should not be a sign of our renunciation of reflection but rather a sign of our attachment to reflection. In the absence of mathematical proof, it takes more faith to believe in the non-existence of God than to believe in His existence. Similarly, common sense teaches us not only to believe in this God but also and especially to serve Him.
Some Causes of Estrangement from God
Many have distanced themselves from God because of the teachings they received and the observations they made. They concluded, through their common sense, that the Christian life proposed today is nonsense. This is because they did not take enough care to exercise their reflection and judgment. By renouncing reflection, any man, Christian or not, more easily embarks on the path of perdition. It is said in the Bible that those to whom Christianity was preached examined the scriptures daily to see if what they were told was true. This is the attitude we must adopt today: examine the scriptures daily in search of the truth.
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me” Hosea 4:6-7 .
The Bible teaches us that Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of light, and it is therefore not surprising that his ministers disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness.
By renouncing reflection, not only does one become guilty before God, but one also becomes an easy prey for all kinds of false doctrines. Do not believe that there are people inspired by the Holy Spirit to teach you things that do not appear in the word of God. Moreover, the Bible shows us that Satan, to tempt Jesus Christ, cited a verse:
“And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone” Matthew 4:6 .
“Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” Matthew 4:7.
Notice that Jesus defends Himself against the devil because He also knows the scriptures. Imagine yourself in His place, ignorant of the scriptures. What would you have done?
It is possible, by quoting an isolated verse from the Bible, to lead you to do things contrary to the Bible’s teaching. It is only by situating each verse in its context, confronting it with others, and through deep reflection that we can grasp the true meaning of each verse. Even if the Holy Spirit reveals things to us, His revelation will generally be complete enough for us to demonstrate through the scriptures that our point of view is correct. Confronting one verse with others implies a comprehensive knowledge of the Bible, not just knowledge of a few fragments.
To better understand what I mean by deep reflection, one can refer to the article on the definition of sin. I will nonetheless cite a Muslim here.
“It is written in the Quran: Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed. The exact understanding of this text is as follows: If your brother is oppressed, help him defend against the enemy. If he is an oppressor, try to bring him to reason, to the right path. Thus, you will have helped him by allowing him to stay on God’s path.”
I have slightly altered his text, but I just want to draw everyone’s attention to the fact that the polysemic nature of most writings can only be resolved if we place them in the context of the fundamental principles of Faith, which are the love of God and the love of neighbor.
Some Cases of Renunciation of Reflection
- The renunciation of reflection in fundamental themes
- The renunciation of reflection in everyday life
- The sick who refuse to seek treatment
- Christians who allow themselves to be stripped
- Christian “Pharisaism”
Renunciation of Reflection as a Cause of Estrangement from God
Drawn Closer to God by Reflection
- Reconciling reflection and the revelation of the Holy Spirit
- For a Christian life of wisdom
- Not accepting as logical or reasonable what is not
- Personally and deeply studying the Bible, without clinging to the ideas and teachings received from men. Resolutely choosing an attitude of seeking the truth and being ready to question acquired ideas. (Joshua 1:8)
- Remembering the fundamental principles of God’s action and teaching
- Acting as if everything depends on us, praying as if everything depends on God
- Believing in God and serving Him as an expression of the wisdom of reflection
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” Proverbs 1:7 .
Objectives of the Article:
a) To invite Christians to resolutely engage in a process of reflection
b) To show the world that Christianity is not a renunciation of reflection
c) To show the world that common sense leads us more certainly to praise and serve God than to anything else.