Quotation of the day
From Peter Enns, on his blog:
But if intention to remain “true” to a “tradition” (which already assumes its non-growth) drives an academic assessment of real evidence (most of which was wholly unavailable when the tradition’s trajectories were set), one runs the risk of adjusting evidence to what one already “knows” to be true. We do not tolerate such sloppy thinking in any other area of human discourse, but when it comes to theological discourse in some circles, it seems to be the preferred method of interaction. When one’s position is by definition unfalsifiable, any meaningful exchange of ideas functionally ceases. Any tradition that aims to promote truth rather than obscure it must be eager to be open to critical evaluation.
3 comments Christopher Heard | biblical interpretation (methods), church, critical thinking, theology
Wow. I subscribe to his blog, but didn’t read that post, so I’m glad you shared it. Well stated!
Enns truly has a way with words. But what amazes me about this quote is not how well crafted it is (and it *is* well crafted), but how ironic it is that it was written in reference to the Reformed tradition. Yet, as I read it, I find that this could equally be applied to the Stone-Campbell movement.
When I went to Westminster to study, I was told by many COC people to “watch out.” They wanted me to remain true to our tradition in spite of whatever I learned at WTS. I was watching out alright, but the COC tradition was equally in my purview. I am truly grateful to have studied under Enns!
I studied with Pete, too, and am the better for it.
As nice as the quote sounds, the idea behind it is very, very old. But I suppose a few from each generation of believers must relearn it for themselves while a lot from each generation just don’t get it—and so perpetuate the problem. Narrow is the gate . . . .