Where is the Flaw in Rationalistic Thinking?

For 200 to 300 years the philosophy of rationalism has dominated our universities and centers of learning. Naturalism and humanism are closely related. Rene Descartes in the 1600s laid the foundation for rationalism. Other philosophers followed.

But during the millennium before Descartes, the worldview of Christianity dominated in Europe. And even before the time of Christ, the predominant worldview in ancient times was belief in a God or Gods which had powers far beyond humans.

The encyclopedia defines Rationalism as “a belief or theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotional response.” It further states that “most rationalists would agree that there is no evidence for any arbitrary supernatural authority, e.g. God or Gods.”

Seeking solely rational ways of solving human problems sounds good, since man must use his mind to determine anything,

But consider that if there is a God who created us and the world and who told mankind of a coming Redeemer who actually came in the person of Jesus Christ and whose resurrection promised everlasting life to those who believe, then Rationalism is anything but rational! If a supernatural Creator created the universe, then this Creator must have knowledge far beyond our human ability to understand. As Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear (respect) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

So what is the flaw in rationalism? An attempt to understand the world using only our minds and considering God to be irrelevant.

You can purchase Sacred Strands, the Story of a Redeemer Woven Through History  here.

Note: Photo illustration by Lois Clymer