Critical Thinking 2

Another factor in critical thinking includes data.  Data drives critical thinking.  

Our pastor was answering questions during his message today, and was asked the question, “How can we know that [verse in Isaiah] is true?”  

He responded, “Because all the other things Isaiah said have come true.”

Detach, Al.  What are the data?  The data, if you read all 66 chapters in the Biblical book of Isaiah, says that only a few things in this book have come true.  Further, the data demonstrate that there are probably at least three different time periods in which this book was authored, suggesting either an author who lived several hundred years or three or more different authors.  So, which author are we to believe?  All of them?  Only one as the primary spokesperson?  None?  


Should we believe but for different reasons than that which the speaker gave?



Sadly there is no future in pointing this out.  If offends the belief system of too many people.  But to listen to a talk and think critically means one has to examine the data after detaching as best one can from the closed system espoused by the speaker.  

Gladly, we detach, and examine data.  We grow.  We live better and make more useful contributions to those around us.