Throughout the years of being a Christian and now as an ex-Christian, I have noticed and been disturbed by the shallow scholarship that oft times comes from our “experts” on both sides of the fence. It seems that many are in the habit of leaving out points of data ("dots") that are needed in order to form a complete picture. Many disagreements between the two camps that arise from this practice might therefore disappear if all would agree to stop leaving out dots they don't like.
It seems to me that since we all have the same data to work from, we all should be reaching similar conclusions, but that is not the case. Excluding outright intellectual dishonesty, which Christians tend to blind themselves to as long as it supports their side of the issue, I think I’ve discovered one of the reasons many disagreements never get resolved.
In “connect the dots” puzzles, people can easily see what the final picture is after having connected all the dots. The data points are all there, all laid out neat and tidy. They are even numbered for you. All you have to do is draw a line from dot #1 to dot #2, then from dot #2 to dot #3, and so on, until the data forms a coherent and sensible picture. Any body can do it, even children and philosophy majors!
The problem I’ve noticed in many Christian / Ex-Christian disagreements is that the Christians don’t put all the dots down on the paper. In fact, they often overlook dots, or even try to hide or erase dots they don’t like. Given that situation, it is no wonder they come up with a different picture than we do- they are working from an incomplete data base- they are missing dots vital to seeing the whole picture.
My Humble Suggestions... Here is my suggestion for anyone about to do an intensive study of a topic in the Bible. Try to get every piece of evidence that is related to the topic. You need to get every "dot" that exists regarding your topic. This includes the obvious (but often overlooked topic of) word definitions. After you've gotten as many dots as possible, then try to connect the dots to form a coherent picture. Once you've got some ideas as to what the picture may be, make a working hypothesis, and try to prove or disprove it. Try to get your data points all in one column or the other: a PRO or an ANTI column, under whatever working hypothesis you're using. Don't leave out anything that may come back in the future and "bite you in the ass". Account and be able to explain every piece of data there is related to the topic. If there are any data points that simply can not be put into this "either / or" format, they need to be kept in the open, and not hidden away hoping that no one else will notice them. Deal with ALL the previous arguments that have been made on this topic. Read the commentaries, books, and essays on the topic. Once you have done your best, be honest with the picture you've created by connecting the dots. If the picture is a mess, and depending on how you look at it gives you different results, be honest enough to admit it. There may just not be enough dots, or too many contradictory dots, for anyone to tell what the picture is. Such is the case, I believe, with the doctrine of the Trinity. If the picture you've created turns out to look pretty sharp and clear, you may be on to something. Discuss it with others that are familiar with the topic. Get as much critical feedback as possible. Others may be able to see where you've left out some dots, or added some that didn't belong. Be flexible to new viewpoints and new data- your goal should be truth- not defending any pet theories you may have cooked up.
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