Quote – “In formal logic, a contradiction is the signal of defeat, but in the evolution of real knowledge it marks the first step in progress toward a victory” – Alfred North Whitehead
I find this quote both instructive and foreboding. Instructive in that allowing the possibility that we are wrong, allowing ourselves to see contradictions is the first step in seeing truth. This requires honesty. Foreboding in that human intelligence and wisdom can only progress so far. This requires humility. Whitehead is the father of “Process Theology” and greatly was influenced by logical consistency. His new philosophical approach corrects some of the flaws of classic theology such as immutability (the most authentic and consistent approach is called “Open Theism”). But his reinterpretation goes too far where in God is “processing” (i.e., growing and changing) by His interaction with creation. He denies the uniqueness of the incarnation saying it can apply to each of us. This line between instructive and foreboding is to me representative of the on-going battle within the mind of each of us between accepting and understanding. Faith is accepting because God says it; not because I understand and agree. Honesty and humility, both are key.
Comments