Critical Thinking in Biblical Studies: Evaluating Sources and Perspectives
Critical thinking in biblical studies involves careful consideration, examination, and reflection on biblical texts and related concepts. The Bible itself contains numerous references to the act of thinking, understanding, and discerning. For instance, the name "Palal" means "thinking," and "Tarshish" can mean "contemplation" or "examination" [2, 3].
The concept of critical thought is evident in passages that encourage deep reflection. Proverbs 24:32 states, "Then looking at it, I gave thought: I saw, and I got teaching from it" [1]. This verse highlights observation leading to thoughtful consideration and subsequent learning. Similarly, Ecclesiastes 7:26 describes a process of mental survey to "know, and consider, and seek out wisdom and reason" [4]. This pursuit extends to understanding "the wickedness of the fool, and the error of the imprudent" [4].
Biblical commentators emphasize the importance of attentive and serious reflection. On Proverbs 2:2, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown (JFB) interpret "listen attentively and reflect seriously" as crucial for gaining "right perception of truth" [7]. This suggests that understanding is not passive but requires active mental engagement. The JFB commentary on Hebrews 10:24 further illustrates this, explaining that "consider" implies "the mind attentively fixed on 'one another,' contemplating with continual consideration the characters and wants of our brethren, so as to render mutual help and counsel" [5]. This form of consideration is contrasted with provoking hatred and is linked to "looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God" [5].
Critical thinking also involves discerning God's work and purpose. In Ecclesiastes 7:14, the instruction to "consider" is understood as regarding adversity as "the work of God," acknowledging that certain things are "made crooked" by God and cannot be straightened by humans [6]. This perspective encourages patience and acceptance of divine sovereignty [6]. The Psalms also speak to this, with JFB noting that in Psalm 48:9, "thought of" means "compared," or considered, in respect of God's former dealings, often within the context of solemn worship in the temple [8].
The absence of critical thought can lead to negative outcomes. Psalm 14:2 describes God "looking" in earnest inquiry to see if any "understand," contrasting this with the "fool" mentioned in Psalm 14:1 [12]. Furthermore, Psalm 36:2 details how a person might persuade themselves that God will not find their iniquity, leading to "words of iniquity and deceit" and a "bold rejection of all right principles of conduct" [9]. This illustrates a failure of critical self-reflection and an embrace of evil [9].
The application of critical thinking extends to handling God's word. Proverbs 16:20 suggests that one who "handleth a matter" wisely considers "the word," referring to the word of God [10]. This implies a careful and thoughtful engagement with scripture, leading to trust [10]. Even when expressing personal judgment, as Paul does in 1 Corinthians 7:40, the term "think" does not imply doubt but rather "a matter of well-grounded assurance," suggesting a considered opinion [11]. This demonstrates that even inspired communication can involve a process of thought and judgment.
Sources
- Proverbs “Proverbs 24:32 (BBE) — Then looking at it, I gave thought: I saw, and I got teaching from it.”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Palal — thinking”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Tarshish — contemplation; examination”
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 7:26 (DRC) — I have surveyed all things with my mind, to know, and consider, and seek out wisdom and reason: and to know the wickedness of the fool, and the error of the imprudent:”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 10:24: Here, as elsewhere, hope and love follow faith; the Pauline triad of Christian graces. consider--with the mind attentively fixed on "one another" (see on Heb 3:1), contemplating with continual consideration the characters and wants of our brethren, so as to render mutual help and counsel. Compare "consider," Psa 41:1, and Heb 12:15, "(All) looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God." to provoke--Greek, "with a view to provoking unto love," instead of provoking to hatred, as is too often the case.”
- Ecclesiastes (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:14: consider--resumed from Ecc 7:13. "Consider," that is, regard it as "the work of God"; for "God has made (Hebrew, for 'set') this (adversity) also as well as the other (prosperity)." "Adversity" is one of the things which "God has made crooked," and which man cannot "make straight." He ought therefore to be "patient" (Ecc 7:8). after him--equivalent to "that man may not find anything (to blame) after God" (that is, after "considering God's work," Ecc 7:13). Vulgate and Syriac, "against Him" (compare Ecc 7:10; Rom 3:4).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 2:2: Listen attentively and reflect seriously (Pro 1:24; Psa 130:2). understanding--right perception of truth.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 48:9: thought of--literally, "compared," or considered, in respect of former dealings. in the . . . temple--in acts of solemn worship (compare Ch2 20:28).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 36:2: This reflection detailed. until his iniquity--literally, "for finding his iniquity for hating"; that is, he persuades himself God will not so find it--"for hating" involving the idea of punishing. Hence his words of iniquity and deceit, and his bold rejection of all right principles of conduct. The climax is that he deliberately adopts and patronizes evil. The negative forms affirm more emphatically their contraries.”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 16:20: handleth a matter--wisely considers "the word," that is, of God (compare Pro 13:13). trusteth--(Compare Psa 2:12; Psa 118:8-9).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:40: happier-- (Co1 7:1, Co1 7:28, Co1 7:34-35). I think also--"I also think"; just as you Corinthians and your teachers think much of your opinions, so I also give my opinion by inspiration; so in Co1 7:25, "my judgment" or opinion. Think does not imply doubt, but often a matter of well-grounded assurance (Joh 5:39). Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 8”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 14:2: looked--in earnest enquiry. understand--as opposed to "fool" [Psa 14:1].”