I think you have some good thoughts there bro. :)

Scientism has definately been becoming more and more prevelent in the last few centuries. But, as you said they are looking out there and in themselves for the truth, and they don't even realize that Jesus IS the truth; not just the truth in some feel good, "religioin-y" areas, in everything. I think of something Fr. Copleston once said:

"The attempt to by-pass or exclude metaphysics will often be found to involve a concealed metaphysical assumption, an unavowed theory of being. In other words, the theory that scientific advance pushes metaphysics out of the picture is mistaken. Metaphysics simply reappears in the form of concealed assumptions." Copleston, Frederick, S.J.; A History of Philosophy, Vol. VIII, p.120. Emp. mine.

Even some secular scientists have been realizing, by God's providence, that they are--to use an analogy--breathing air out in order to present arguments for why air doesn't exist:

"These scientific games are without genuine epistemological content unless we superimpose on them some sort of metaphysical principle which will say that the game, as specified by the methodology, gives us the best chance of approaching the truth." Imre Lakatos; The Methodology of Reseach Programmes, Cambridge: the University Press, 1980, p. 122. Emp. mine.

Cornelius Van Til would argue (convincingly, imo), along with C.S. Lewis in many places, that the unbeliever, by turning from the true God who has revealed Himself in the Bible, has destroyed any foundation for any type of reasoning or knowledge (--notwithstanding the actual knowledge they DO have of course, which God graciously allows to pervade their sin hardened hearts--the grace by which they live and move and have their being (Pro. 9:10, Acts 17:28)).

"The ancient man approached God (or even the gods) as the accused person approaches his judge. For the modern man the roles are reversed. He is the judge: God is in the dock. He is quite a kindly judge: if God should have a reasonable defence for being the god who permits war, poverty and disease, he is ready to listen to it. The trial may even end in God's acquittal. But the important thing is that Man is on the Bench and God in the Dock." C.S. Lweis; God in the Dock, Eerdmans: 2001 reprint, p. 244.

But, we know that they already knew that to begin with--that they "suppress the truth in unrighteousness" because "wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." They don't want anything to do with the wrath of God, and so, as you so aptly pointed out, they have said in their heart "I will ascend into the heavens and exalt my throne above the stars...I will make myself as the Most High," because the "god of this world has blinded their eyes."

Again, good insight into the facts, I think you did a good job in summarizing the present situation and why it came about. :)

-J

S.D.G

Edited by: MonkeeSage at: 4/4/02 4:45:04 am