Because I Said So, That's Why

In this insightful post at the Pyro blog, Dan P. makes the point that everyone believes in innerrancy, in some form or other.

Okay, we probably need to define that. He means that everyone, not just Bible believers, holds onto something at the very base of everything he or she believes, and ascribes to that something supreme authority, and the perfect ability to determine right and wrong, or decide spiritual truth, etc.

We believe in Biblical Inerrancy. For us, we put that right and authority on the Word of God, and that's that.

But folks who don't believe the Bible, still ultimately appeal to some ultimate source of authority, which source they trust implicitly.

This is very much the sort of thing I've been discussing with our youth in Sunday School. We've been learning how to analyze arguments logically; how to spot logical errors, etc.

One of things I've been trying to show them is that everyone appeals to something, and they do so even before they being to look at the "evidence." That's right. Your source of authority is what it is because you say that it is. And that fact lies at the very base of everything else that we think, especially when we start thinking spiritually or morally.

The Bible is my source of authority.

You ask, Why?

I say, Because it's always right.

That's circular reasoning! you exclaim.

Okay, fine with me. Now, if you'll just realize that your own source of ultimate authority is that source for you in precisely the same way, then maybe we can talk.

You presuppose, that is, regard as true before the evidence is considered, that your brain functions reliably and correctly; or that your senses tell you the truth; or that your mom and dad were right; or that the church you've always belonged to is right; or, that the high-priests of modern science are always right; or, a multitude of other whatevers. And the reason you believe that? Because you do. You assume. It has not been proved, but you trust your source to always tell you the truth, regardless. And then, even when they fail, you're willing to overlook that and move on.