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 “We
must be intellectually honest” said the professor; and
although I sometimes doubted his “i.h.,” there was no
denying this principle. “Intellectually honest” in
scholastic circles means that one is true to his knowledge. He
accepts the evidence, regardless of where it leads him. It is an
admirable characteristic; the truly scientific attitude. It
insists that one be impelled by his knowledge to responsible,
mature action.
But
is there a realm beyond what man can learn by research and human
wisdom? Is there truth that must be revealed by a higher source,
attainable only through faith in revelation? A glib “Not”
will not suffice. When it is given by men who have never
seriously investigated the concept of revelation it is a
non-scientific answer. God, and revealed truth, may actually be
the most logical answer to’ unfathomed mysteries concerning
man, his world, and his nature. But swallow that slowly. Truth
shines under careful investigation, and it cankers in
superstition.
We
are not ruling out the intellect of man. We do suggest that in
the eventuality of revelation, calling for faith, it can no
longer be the ultimate standard. A. Campbell laid down three
principles for study of revealed things. “1. The pretensions
of the Bible to divine authority are to be decided by reason
alone.
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2.
Then reason decides this question, the truths of the Bible are
to be received as first principles not to be tested by reason,
but from which man is to reason. 3. Terms in the Bible are to be
understood as reason suggests their meaning, but the things
taught are to be received not because they have been proved by
reason, but because God has revealed them.” (Via “Christians
Only,” J.D. Murch, p.114)
When
a man pleads “intellectual honesty” to explain why he can
not accept as true something he freely acknowledges to be taught
in the Bible, he declares himself an unbeliever. If he
consistently pursues this course we predict he will live in
despair.
But
what of the man who uses “intellectual honesty” as an excuse
for neglect of investigation? Or, knowing what God’s word
teaches, he refuses to acknowledge or be governed by it for fear
of being called “Anti,” or losing his job, or having to live
up to the consequences? His dishonesty has taken on the
form of hypocrisy.
Truth
is an exacting task-master; terrifying to the weak, but freeing
the honest, humble seeker. It is the infidel who has strange
bed-fellows.
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