Empowerment
Commentary By
Jarrett L. Perdue Sr.
Jarrett L. Perdue Sr.
In our series on Self-Responsibility we will talk about the subject of “Critical Thinking.” Here is the definition of Critical Thinking from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
“Critical thinking is purposeful and reflective judgment about what to believe or what to do[1] in response to observations, experience, verbal or written expressions, or arguments. Critical thinking might involve determining the meaning and significance of what is observed or expressed, or, concerning a given inference or argument, determining whether there is adequate justification to accept the conclusion as true.”
“Critical thinking gives due consideration to the evidence, the context of judgment, the relevant criteria for making the judgment well, the applicable methods or techniques for forming the judgment, and the applicable theoretical constructs for understanding the nature of the problem and the question at hand.[2] Critical thinking employs not only logic but broad intellectual criteria such as clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, significance and fairness.”
COMMENTARY
In our daily lives Critical
Thinking is very important. Many times people draw their
conclusions and state them as facts without any consideration if
something said is accurate or not. Making decisions without using
knowledge to examine the outcome will not be beneficial to us. There
is a term under Critical Thinking
called “Common
Belief.” This is when we believe a statement to be true
because the evidence shows that many people believe it and that
belief is widely accepted. Statements that are believed by the masses
of people are not proof or evidence of the truth. Neither is
something accurate because of past belief or support. Just because it
is said, “this
is the way it has always been”, does not mean something
should be accepted as valid and proper.
Many times appeal is made to the masses to so called “common sense”, and judgement of the people as validating a point. The Latin term for this is called Argumentum ad judicium. This is where manipulation of minds takes affect. If one is not careful they will get caught up in the emotion and make incorrect judgements in their lives based off the “common sense” appeal.
There are so many areas that will be used to manipulate your thinking. One of the ways is called Specious Reasoning. This is where statements are made that sound true, genuine and appealing but in fact are worthless as an argument of soundness. Example: People go through personal problems in their lives and they find 10 more people that are going through the same problem and then say that everyone experiences the same thing. If you are not careful you will find yourself agreeing with them and repeating the same statements as truth for everyone.
I want to comment on those noble individuals who label themselves as Christians. Critical Thinking should not be dismissed. It’s very important to know & understand scriptural translations and the way it can be equated with daily living. The two should not be separated.
When some Christians hear the term Critical Thinking, they immediately get into defense mode, believing this has nothing to do with the Word of God. Many have a drawback when using the word critical and Bible in the same sentence. This is because the word critical has been used with an adverse association. People equate the word critical with the word negative instead of an well-organized manner of thought. When you have well-ordered thoughts, it will result in understanding, examination, assessment, and explanation of the evidence that is presented.
It is amazing and disturbing when Christians are labeled as heretics when they will use their proficiency in Critical Thinking to see if statements made, proclaimed as doctrine, concerning scriptural understanding are cogent and accurate.
When you look at some of the synonyms for the word critical it has a positive meaning. Critical means analytical, urgently important, decisive, significant.
Critical Thinking means making reasoned decisions. What should always be remembered, is when it comes to our daily living based from what is thought to be fundamental truths, each person should want to make sure they are receiving accurate information by actuating a comprehensive analysis of translations.
Many times appeal is made to the masses to so called “common sense”, and judgement of the people as validating a point. The Latin term for this is called Argumentum ad judicium. This is where manipulation of minds takes affect. If one is not careful they will get caught up in the emotion and make incorrect judgements in their lives based off the “common sense” appeal.
There are so many areas that will be used to manipulate your thinking. One of the ways is called Specious Reasoning. This is where statements are made that sound true, genuine and appealing but in fact are worthless as an argument of soundness. Example: People go through personal problems in their lives and they find 10 more people that are going through the same problem and then say that everyone experiences the same thing. If you are not careful you will find yourself agreeing with them and repeating the same statements as truth for everyone.
I want to comment on those noble individuals who label themselves as Christians. Critical Thinking should not be dismissed. It’s very important to know & understand scriptural translations and the way it can be equated with daily living. The two should not be separated.
When some Christians hear the term Critical Thinking, they immediately get into defense mode, believing this has nothing to do with the Word of God. Many have a drawback when using the word critical and Bible in the same sentence. This is because the word critical has been used with an adverse association. People equate the word critical with the word negative instead of an well-organized manner of thought. When you have well-ordered thoughts, it will result in understanding, examination, assessment, and explanation of the evidence that is presented.
It is amazing and disturbing when Christians are labeled as heretics when they will use their proficiency in Critical Thinking to see if statements made, proclaimed as doctrine, concerning scriptural understanding are cogent and accurate.
When you look at some of the synonyms for the word critical it has a positive meaning. Critical means analytical, urgently important, decisive, significant.
Critical Thinking means making reasoned decisions. What should always be remembered, is when it comes to our daily living based from what is thought to be fundamental truths, each person should want to make sure they are receiving accurate information by actuating a comprehensive analysis of translations.
HEBREWS
4:12
The writer of Hebrews 4:12 states “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Look at the word discerner in reference to Critical Thinking. Discerner in Greek understanding is kritikos (krē-tē-ko's) skilled in judging, tracing out on thoughts of the mind. This is what Critical Thinking is; clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision.
We should follow the example of scripture concerning our Critical Thinking.
2
TIMOTHY 4:8
2 Tim 4:8 “Henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but
unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Notice the word “righteous”.
In this context righteous is defined as our way of thinking, feeling,
and acting, is wholly conformed to understanding God in our relationship with God. Along with our
analysis of Critical Thinking, we
have to see ourselves as God sees us.
No one should take and digest information coming from others as truth without proper evaluation.
No one should take and digest information coming from others as truth without proper evaluation.
Here is what the writer of Proverbs states about
Critical Thinking:
Proverbs 14:15 “The simple
believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his
going.”
The Amplified Bible brings out better understanding: “The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks and considers well where he is going.”
We need to have scriptural direction daily. Psalm 119:133 “Order my steps in thy word:” We should want our faith in God to establish and direct our daily walk by means of personal understanding of what applies to us as individuals.
Here is another example of Critical Thinking:
1 Thessalonians 5:21 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” The Greek word for prove is dokimazō (do-kē-mä'-zō), to test, examine, prove: to see whether a thing is genuine or not. To recognize as genuine after examination.
The real question is, “How important is this to your daily life?” Christians go for years under a ministry and never examine anything that is said. It is about feeling good and having a good time. There is nothing wrong with that. “…For the joy of the LORD is your strength..”
It is also very important to refuel & recharge your mind and spirit. You should want to know if what you are receiving is accurate. I am not talking about openly trying to argue with leadership of the ministry to prove a point. It is to find out if you are being fed with spiritual nourishment, which is extremely important
Here is another area of scriptural understanding concerning Critical Thinking:
PROVERBS
14:15
The Amplified Bible brings out better understanding: “The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks and considers well where he is going.”
We need to have scriptural direction daily. Psalm 119:133 “Order my steps in thy word:” We should want our faith in God to establish and direct our daily walk by means of personal understanding of what applies to us as individuals.
Here is another example of Critical Thinking:
1
THESSALONIANS 5:21
1 Thessalonians 5:21 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” The Greek word for prove is dokimazō (do-kē-mä'-zō), to test, examine, prove: to see whether a thing is genuine or not. To recognize as genuine after examination.
The real question is, “How important is this to your daily life?” Christians go for years under a ministry and never examine anything that is said. It is about feeling good and having a good time. There is nothing wrong with that. “…For the joy of the LORD is your strength..”
It is also very important to refuel & recharge your mind and spirit. You should want to know if what you are receiving is accurate. I am not talking about openly trying to argue with leadership of the ministry to prove a point. It is to find out if you are being fed with spiritual nourishment, which is extremely important
Here is another area of scriptural understanding concerning Critical Thinking:
1 John 4:1“Beloved,
believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of
God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
We cannot put our faith in people just because they name the name of the Lord. We need to prove or test those spirits for discovery as whether they are proceeded from God. The warning from scripture is that many false prophets have gone forth in the world. Many things are being stated as factual.
We cannot put our faith in people just because they name the name of the Lord. We need to prove or test those spirits for discovery as whether they are proceeded from God. The warning from scripture is that many false prophets have gone forth in the world. Many things are being stated as factual.
It is so important not to be deceived by
those professing to be teachers of the law.
1 Timothy 1:7 “Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.”
The Amplified Bible states: “They are ambitious to be doctors of the Law (teachers of the Mosaic ritual), but they have no understanding either of the words and terms they use or of the subjects about which they make [such] dogmatic assertions."
The Apostle Paul would repudiate publicly those that would distort information.
1 Timothy 1:7 “Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.”
The Amplified Bible states: “They are ambitious to be doctors of the Law (teachers of the Mosaic ritual), but they have no understanding either of the words and terms they use or of the subjects about which they make [such] dogmatic assertions."
The Apostle Paul would repudiate publicly those that would distort information.
Acts 18:28“For
he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the
scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” Paul was trying to show by the sacred writings that Jesus is the Christ, the
Messiah.
The Apostle James:
James 3:13, 17-18
- (13) “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”
- (17) “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
- (18) “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”
As stated earlier, how important is
Critical Thinking to you? How
serious are you about receiving accurate scriptural information in
your spirit, which will manifest in your natural life? Critical
Thinking will guide you to walk in wisdom.
Colossians 4:5-6.
- (5)"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”
- (6) “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
You are empowered with a given answer.
Proverbs 15:23 “A
man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due
season, how good is it!”
With the ability of Critical Thinking you will have a suitable answer at any given time and that word will be spoken at the right moment and you will be a blessing to the recipient of your knowledge.
With the ability of Critical Thinking you will have a suitable answer at any given time and that word will be spoken at the right moment and you will be a blessing to the recipient of your knowledge.
Critical Thinking is
about empowerment. It is also about
empowering others you are in contact with.
Be empowered. Let your Critical Thinking be a blessing to you and the Body of Christ.
Jarrett L. Perdue Sr.
Be empowered. Let your Critical Thinking be a blessing to you and the Body of Christ.
Jarrett L. Perdue Sr.
