When it comes to how men think, mankind falls under two general categories, rationalism and empiricism. Rationalism is the system of thinking which states reason is the chief source of knowledge. Reason that is reached via logic. Spock from “Star Trek” is the epitome of the rational man.
Empiricism is the system of thinking which states knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience. It is the “blank slate” method of learning. Every person is born a blank slate to which is added sensory experience.
Both of these methods of thinking we could call human viewpoint. Man, and what he reasons or experiences is the chief source of knowledge. Knowledge begins within him goes out from him and is therefore a viewpoint based on him.
Divine viewpoint is entirely outside the human realm for divine viewpoint is based on one word, faith. Hebrews 11.1 states:
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”
Faith is a system of thinking that is based on what it cannot see but places confident assurance in that which cannot be seen. Divine viewpoint is based on what is written in the Word of God. Faith then is totally foreign to rationalism or empiricism, yet the Bible clearly states that men are without excuse.
Romans 1.18-20, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Creation is stark evidence of the truthfulness of faith and the dead end of rationalism or empiricism as being the ultimate solution to that which cannot be reasoned or experienced. Evidence of what is called “intelligent design” is everywhere. But the only way to approach the One who created the “intelligent design” is by faith.
Faith not in an emanation or some created thing. But faith in the God of the Bible, the creator of the universe Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1.16-17, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”