Dating : CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

On Christian Conduct and Discussion: How Basic Principles Relate to Life

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

An English 101 class, one might presume, is quite unrelated to Christian principles. Surprisingly, the basic critical thinking skills and analysis taught to incoming students plays an important role in the Christian life. Not only must we apply a thoughtful approach to the way we communicate with others, we must also realize the biblical principle of the witness our daily lives exude. The last thing we want is for people to label us as unreliable and fake.

We normally examine a research paper from the perspective of the professor, the student, or the audience. Let us, for a moment, imagine we embody the various sources competing to be utilized by the author. In this instance we (the sources) are analyzed for the credibility which will establish our reliability. In other words, the sources used for a research paper must earn, in a sense, the right to be heard. Even so, Christians too must earn this right among their fellows and society.

We may use another analogy from an introductory English class. Suppose we are students in this class and our professor has provided us with two guest lecturers. We will analyze these speakers with the critical thinking skills we have recently obtained. We evaluate sources primarily based upon their authority, accuracy and verifiability, and currency (Modern Language Association 33–38). Suppose the first lecturer has years of experience in her field, significant background knowledge of her topic, credible references, published works, and a “peer-reviewed” reputation. We can then identify her as a reliable source. On the other hand, suppose the next speaker is a self-proclaimed psychologist, with little training, who is lecturing on extraterrestrial life; although he has a passion for his topic, his books are self-published, he does not site scholarly works, and we find out later that his website seeks to gain profit through donations for “research”. We should neither trust nor employ this individual as a credible source; and, obviously, we think him an absurd, unreliable and rather funny man. The main point of this example is to demonstrate how one’s eligibility on a particular topic dictates his or her authority (ranging from weak to strong). Real life examples may not be as distinct as those listed above and may even take some time to evaluate. But here rests the conclusion: evaluation is necessary.

WE MUST ESTABLISH OUR CREDIBILITY

We live in an age where some think it appropriate to turn in their letter of resignation on a piece of toilet paper. We often claim to be right without having supporting arguments; we attack others for their character instead of their views; and we often think our anger justifies our angry attitudes. We may speak when we cannot defend ourselves, and sometimes, we may even make strange and unsearched claims which deter others from the truth. All of this works against our credibility as individuals, particularly as Christians. Before we should expect someone to listen to us, to hear what we have to say, our conduct and our speech must be: (1) well grounded (authoritative), (2) able to stand counter fire (accurate and valid), (3) and thoroughly relevant (current).

OUR CONDUCT MUST BE HONORABLE

While our conduct demands honor so also does the intent from which our conduct stems. What are our underlying motives? If our intentions are honorable, then they should proceed from a valuable and valid worldview. As the most foundational component, our Christian worldview must firmly plant itself within our minds and guide our assertions, our ambitions, and our actions so that we may be people of integrity. Our reason for existing coincides with our reason for living, sharing, and doing.

Let us attempt to free ourselves for self-interest, from some profitable gain, from the biases which might slight our character. What do others say of us? How might we improve in the fundamental way we act? Do our interests and our reasons for proclaiming truth stem from God’s very own heart? Is the message we proclaim consistent with God’s message?

WE MUST FORM GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS

A very important factor in maintaining our authority as Christians is our responsibility to form and cultivate genuine relationships. People are the soil in which we plant seeds, and this soil must be befriended, prepared, and readied. Our ambition for the truth must be tempered by the view that our fellows are also made in the image of God and must be thoughtfully and decently treated. Our quest to “love” others additionally must be undergirded with the courage to speak the truth and uphold righteousness. Friendship is often the foundation upon which truth is more readily received because we have proven ourselves to be trustworthy, reliable, and relevant. When we have a friend we have an ear.

WE MUST BE HUMBLE AND GENTLE

Our attitude affects our message. We must present ourselves to the best of our ability in order to clearly represent the truth. Our attitudes must not contradict the truths we profess; if they do, then perhaps we have given our audience reason for doubting the authenticity and credibility of our message. Imagine a warrior preaching stoicism while crying uncontrollably and falling to the floor.

Yes, hypocrisy runs deep because sin runs deep; but then we have all the more reason for self-evaluation. If we uphold our theology of consistency, integrity, and validity, then let us remain consistent, honorable, and valid. Let our truth be accompanied with grace and let our compassion be accompanied with truth. Let us join humility and gentleness with the strength and power of God’s revelation.

Perhaps, then, we have earned the right to be heard. And when we can set our foot lightly on the foundation we have made before another individual, we may have meaningful discussion. This is not to say that the preceding steps are always necessary to approach a topic or that they must proceed in order; rather they are present to signify the necessity of wisdom in conduct and approaching conversations.

WE MUST HAVE MEANINGFUL DISCUSSION

If what we have to say is irrelevant, subjective, and temporary, then we certainly speak vainly and hold to unfounded truths. The culmination of our preparation and our lives is to proclaim the name of Christ Jesus and in so doing we rest upon relevant, objective, and timeless truths. Something which is valid begs first to be something of value, and Dear Reader, the truth of our Savior is ever so valuable and meaningful. Let us cut loose the cords of falsehoods, examine ourselves for contradictory beliefs, and grasp tightly to the cross so that others too may come and taste His love.

Works Cited:

Modern Language Association. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed. New York: Modern Language Association, 2009. Print.

This original version of this article was written for Arizona Christian University Library.