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This page revised and Copyrighted: Theon Doxazo |
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03.1.6 |
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Assumptions
Assumption #1. All Christian Scripture is Inspired, Authoritative, Convicting, and Universal. a) Inspired It is posited that the Scriptures accurately and reliably express the Word of God. This accuracy is held to extend to the very tenses and word choices found in the original Scriptural manuscripts. b) Authoritative Our assumptions can corrupt our observations and interpretations. Thus, we can expect that humans and their works will be flawed. If a conflict develops between the Scriptures and the 2nd Peter Theory, the Scriptures will be assumed to be authoritative and correct. The Theory will either be changed to conform to the Scriptures or the Theory will be dropped. Special Revelation is to be given priority. Note: a conflict with theology does NOT necessarily imply an inevitable conflict with the Scriptures, as theology is also a work of man. c) Convicting The Scriptures hold forth a high and pure picture of moral conduct and expectation. It is assumed that no one can read the Scriptures with an open mind and heart and not find something there to convict them of sin. d) Universal All Christians are born of a single Spirit sent by one Father through the atoning work of a unique Son. Thus, the Scriptures inspired by this singular God are morally binding on all born of God. All Christians recognize the Scriptures, regardless of their cultures or denominational structures. Thus, the Scriptures are functionally universal. e) Custom and Direct Revelation No assumptions are made about the usefulness or appropriateness of direct revelation or custom. Some believe that God directly reveals His will to them. Some believe that the customs of their denominations are authoritative directives for Christian living. It is the position of this author that, to the degree that these claims are accurate, these sources will be found to agree with the Scriptures. To the degree that these sources disagree with the Scriptures, they are held not to be inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Assumption #2. Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification a) It is posited that at conversion (Justification) the Holy Spirit gives each Christian a small portion of each of the eight qualities described by the theory. b) Sanctification is then the process of Christians, with the help of the Holy Spirit, enlarging the extent, influence, and importance of these qualities in their lives. c) After our death we are Glorified. In this process, whatever distance remains between our selves and Christ is closed as a gift of God. We are made like Christ. d) While it is recognized that there are some Scriptural problems with this usage of these terms, this usage is accepted here because this usage is widely accepted and understood. The known Scriptural problems should not undercut the principles of the Second Peter Theory outlined here.
Assumption #3. There Is An Optimal Pattern For Spiritual Growth. a) Christians CAN develop in a variety of non-optimal patterns. Sin can lead us into blind alleys, dead ends. Ignorance can lead to omissions or over-emphases. b) We are all sinners seeking to become like Christ. An optimal path between these points is logical. c) The Bible commands growth in a given sequence (2nd Peter). It is assumed that the Scriptures would mandate the optimal pathway. God is not a god of confusion.
Assumption #4. Spiritual Growth Is Understandable. a) Consistency in the growth pattern allows for understandability. b) The Scriptures aid our understanding. c) Natural theology/secular observation can assist us in finding a pattern. d) While our understanding is NOT perfect, it is good enough to be useful.
Assumption #5. Spiritual Growth Is Do-able a) We are commanded to action. "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." - James 1:22 b) We wouldn't be commanded to act if our actions had no impact. c) Human beings have the ability to choose. d) The Holy Spirit will not control our lives without our permission.
Assumption #6. Fear of DEATH Is Universal For All People a) All people have physical bodies. b) We fear Dying because of the expected pain to our bodies. c) We fear Death because of the unknown. d) Arguments against the Assumption: 1) The retarded may not know of death and thus may not fear it. 2) Yet, their lack of this knowledge is understood by all as being characteristic of the depth of their mental problems. 3) Suicides and religious fanatics may seek out death. 4) Yet, they are driven by exceptionally strong and uncommon motivations in order to override what is seen as a universal human fear.
Assumption #7. Spiritual Growth Can Be Assessed, At Least Grossly a) We are commanded by the Scriptures to evaluate/judge. Matt 7:15-20 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so every good tree bears good fruit; but the rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits." 2 Thess 3:6 "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us." 1 Tim 5:20 "Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning." b) Spirituality can be expected to impact lifestyle, attitudes, and behavior. 1) We can assess these variables. 2) This can give us an indirect measure of spirituality. 3) Indirect measures can be useful. 4) EX: the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) combines several tests to estimate general intelligence. c) NO test is perfect, but estimates can be useful. Reliability and validity procedures allow us to describe how useful a measure is.
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