In this episode, David discusses biblical philosophies which refer to systematic theologies and hermeneutics. It is extremely important, but can also be very dangerous if they are misunderstood, misapplied, or in error. He reviews basic rules of thumb to consider, errors to avoid, and how to find good resources.
· Rules of thumb
o Your philosophies need to be based on the assumptions that God is real, God is knowable, and God has communicated with mankind about what to think and how to live.
o Your philosophies should be based on the Bible itself not the works of Bible scholars. Why? Men make mistakes. Men have biases. Men aren’t God.
o Generally, the Bible should be taken literally unless there is a good or obvious reason not to.
· Pitfalls
o Avoid biblical philosophies written by unsaved men. Without the Holy Spirit, we are unable to discern spiritual things properly.
o Your biblical philosophies should be held as general principles as opposed to rules.
o You need to have a healthy amount of philosophical doubt.
o Failing to gain other perspectives.
o Believing you are the only one who has the truth.
o Beware of basing your theology on a single verse.
o Where good, godly people disagree, tread lightly.
o Just because your systematic theology or hermeneutics has something in it you don’t agree with all the way, it doesn’t mean you should dump the whole system. Take the good parts, leave the bad, erroneous, or corrupted parts.
o Don’t be proud and look down on others who don’t share your exact systematic theology or hermeneutics.
· How to choose materials
o Bible bookstores tend to cater to an extremely wide demographic meaning that often they will have material in there that is completely opposite of what you believe.
o Ask your pastor/spiritual mentor if he has any advice.
o Consider Bible college libraries—remember there is a LOT of variability in Bible colleges.
o Read reviews of texts online
