Re: Logic and Scripture

Former Quaker and rock guitarist John Wimber, founder of the...Vineyard ministries...openly advocates a "paradigm shift" away from thinking with Western logic into the exclusively experiential way of oriental thinking....He also claims that "first century Semites did not argue from a premise to a conclusion; they were not controlled by rationalism."

This is a highly erroneous and mischievous statement. Not only is it historically inaccurate but it...denigrates logic ...and epitomizes the considerable confusion in the Charismatic Movement in its failure to identify the difference between (unhealthy) rationalism, whereby the miraculous is denied and the supernatural work of the Spirit is blasphemed, and (wholesome) rationality, whereby the Christian exercises necessary discernment....

The ultimate first century Semite was surely the Lord Jesus Christ; yet He continually used the most devastating logic to demolish His opponents....

Never before has a "sound mind" been so necessary in the life of the Church. To substitute mysticism for rationalism is the spiritual equivalent of moving...into a black hole. --Alan Morrison, The Serpent and the Cross

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, (Acts 17:2)

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2Tim1:6-7)

Be diligent [study] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. (2Tim2:15-16)

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1Pet1:13)