Wk 7: Is Knowledge Incompatible with Faith?
The Skeptic Framework > Knowledge & Reason
In Case You’re New Here
The Skeptic Framework is based on a theological model initially described by Stephen Veazey. Both models provide six sources (or lenses) we tend to consider when choosing what to believe about a Higher Power. The six lenses in the Skeptic Framework are Scripture, Knowledge, Personal Experience, Tradition, Continuing Revelation, and Community. This article’s focus is on the lens of Knowledge.
In a recent two-part article (Have You Been Marginalized? Part 1 & Part 2), I shared a sermon in which I presented the familiar-to-Christians story of Jesus calling his first disciples, along with my own story of being called to become a writer of spiritual life stories.
As it happens, this sermon is a great example of applying the six lenses. So, in this sub-series of articles exploring the individual lenses, I’ll point out where in the sermon that was happening.
For each lens, I will include these sections:
Steve’s Take: A summary of what Steve Veazey said about the lens in his seminal presentation (link below).
Editorial Comment: My additional thoughts related to Steve’s Take or my Sermon Notes.
Sermon Notes: Where and/or how I applied the lens in preparing my sermon.
A Personal Story: Something else that happened in my life that illustrates the application of the lens.
Prompts: Questions to help you explore how you feel about the lens.
Steve’s Take on Knowledge
The Knowledge (& Reason) lens encourages us to use our minds and available knowledge to strengthen our understanding of God’s ways. Specifically, we are to
Use study, informed conversation, and alert observation.
Study it out in our minds with the aid of all good books.
Apply knowledge to beliefs by using study, reason, common sense, discussion, and inspiration.
Sermon Notes
I applied this lens when I went looking for other perspectives on the scripture as I was preparing my remarks.
Specifically, I found what
had to say. I didn’t use everything she said, but I did use the historical information she offered about the true place of Simon Peter in society—a bottom-rung near-slave in a company-store-like situation (as opposed to the more common view of Simon as an entrepreneur).Editorial Comment
As a result of using this lens, the entire interpretation of the story changed. It wasn’t about someone giving up everything he had (i.e., the good life) to follow Jesus. It was about Jesus saving someone from what amounted to a life of slavery.
Lack of knowledge (with respect to ancient cultures) had been leading us to a very wrong conclusion. Faith had nothing to do with this mistake.
A Personal Story About Knowledge
Back during the nine years when I owned and operated a large convenience store, every so often one of my employees would ask me a question about God.
They knew I was a minister.
They knew sometimes I would have more questions than answers.
They knew I had reasons for things I believed.
They knew I would share those reasons with them.
Often, they would say something like, “I asked my pastor about such-and-such. He told me what I should believe, but he wouldn’t explain it to me.”
Other times, I’d ask why they believed something. They’d shrug and say, “Pastor said so.”
Editorial Comment
We live in a sophisticated, educated society. It’s okay to have some mystery to the divine, but I don’t feel like it’s okay to tell someone, effectively, “because I said so.”
Prompts for the Lens of Knowledge
What does it mean to you to seek knowledge about your beliefs? How do you balance curiosity with faith?
Think about a time when you brought knowledge, reason, or logic to a spiritual discussion. Were your efforts welcomed or rebuked by others?
Recall a time when your beliefs were challenged or doubt arose. How did that experience shift your understanding of yourself or your faith?
Consider the role of logic in your spiritual journey. How has reasoning helped you find clarity or resolve doubts?
Think about a belief you once held dearly but now question. What led to this change, and how do you feel about it?
Write about a specific question you have regarding your beliefs. How would you approach finding an answer? What sources of knowledge would you consult?
The Takeaway
If you’re currently at the point where you are re-assessing or re-building your faith, I hope you’ll spend some time with the prompts.
Remember, the purpose of everything I’ve written so far in the Phoenix Your Faith series is designed to help you take your bearings as to where you are right now, today, in relation to spirituality, faith, and religion.
We don’t always allow ourselves to mindfully consider where our thoughts are, especially when it comes to our relationship with a Higher Power. I invite you to consider those things now.
The more you understand (and document) where you are now—about yourself, your beliefs, and your spiritual history, at this moment—the easier it will be to recognize and celebrate the progress you make in the future.
Just call me Looking for Logic!
RESOURCES for Further Study: Knowledge Lens
Ways of Discovering God's Will - Steve Veazey on YouTube
Ways of Discovering God's Will - Listening Guide on scribd
UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality
Armed with Truth – Facebook Group lead by
Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived
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Sharon: You are correct. My prayer life is a constant conversation of questions? They flow both ways. Sometimes when He ask me particularly particular questions, my mind turns inside out and the search for an answer submerges into my back consciousness, surfacing “randomly” till an answer/s bubbles up along with a pre-prepared prayer of thanksgiving for the revelation.