Rationalism and Empiricism
general article writing
Description
In the discussion forum below: answer these questions (a-c) following the format described in step three:
Which of the 3testsdo you favor or use in life? Are they all valid? Why or why not?
What is the importance of the 3basesfor Christian authority? John Wesley also included one’s personal encounter with God under the label "experience" as a fourth category for Christian authority (theology). You may also expand your treatment to include this one if you wish, which becomes clearer after reading Section 4.3.
What is the center of your sense of truth—your hermeneutic? Choose which of the three positions in 4.2 that best reflects your present approach to the truth of scripture. Explain why you default to this hermeneutic. Would you like to change?
Write a 150-200 word description (3-4 paragraphs or at least 5 observations) about the connection between testing truth and following spiritual authority. Use the four-step methodology of understanding, analysis, evaluation, and application. You may use the Bible for illustrations in the application, but not 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).
part b
Explain where you have seen reason and experience at work, and the value of each.
Write a 150-200 word description (3-4 paragraphs, or at least 5 observations) about the contrast between rationalism and empiricism. Answer the following questions:
Which comes first in processing reality—the body or the mind? Which is more important to understand the truth of reality? Do we need to choose at all between them, or should all our approach to life be holistic? Which approach do you tend to use? Give an example.
Use the four-step methodology of understanding, analysis, evaluation, and application. You may also want to try to do the step called synthesis, by coming up with your own new paradigm for these concepts (and your own illustration).
