"Assiduous and frequent questioning is indeed the first key to wisdom. Aristotle, that most perspicacious of all philosophers, exhorted the studious to practice it eagerly, saying, 'Perhaps it is difficult to express oneself with confidence on such matters if they have not been much discussed. To entertain doubts on particular points will not be unprofitable.' For by doubting we come to inquiry; through inquiring we perceive the truth, according to the Truth Himself. 'Seek and you shall find,' He says, 'Knock and it shall be opened to you.' In order to teach us by His example He chose to be found when He was about twelve years old sitting in the midst of the doctors and questioning them, presenting the appearance of a disciple by questioning rather than of a master by teaching, although there was in Him the complete and perfect wisdom of God."I can't help but read over and over again the phrase, "through inquiring we perceive the truth, according to the Truth Himself." Put another way, start with a question and you lay yourself open to the answer. Start with an answer, and you close yourself off to He who is the Answer.
-- Peter Abelard, Sic et Non
Monday, March 05, 2012
#390 Abelard Against Apologetics
Modern apologetics has as its aim the answering of questions rather than the questing for answers. It is in this sense of apologetics that I add Abelard to my list of theologians against apologetics:
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2 comments:
What is at the root of this enthusiam to portray apologetics as something that is all but evil? I assume that you didn't care for my long comment a few posts back since you gave no response. I encourage you not to lose heart but continue your pursuit to recapture the spiritual passion of your youth. Peace
I don't recall what first soured me on the enterprise of apologetics. But it was some combination of the shallowness and inadequacy of much of it along with the an increasing realization of the radical scandal and foolishness that is the cross and the resurrection. As to why it seems to take more of my posts up than it used to, that is just do to my lack of creative juices that I've had for the last year or so when it comes to writing. I've had long term thinkers block. But it's amazing how often I come across these theologians all saying similar things so it strikes me and I make note. Thanks for the encouragement.
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