Reason and Logic is one of those topics that everyone knows just enough about to get into trouble, but not enough to demonstrate a working knowledge of the subject. One who skillfully and deliberately uses the principles of reason and logic in their everyday thinking and decision making is someone whom we would rightfully label as a Critical Thinker.

Throughout this writing you will discover a repetitive use of terms and phrases. This is a deliberate action to ensure retention where retention is most required.

A Critical Thinker is one who is skilled in argument assessment and construction, just to name a few things, and is also inclined to insist on careful reasoning and continuous examination of basic assumptions. I want to invite you to become a Critical Thinker. We will go over some of the disciplines, practices and skills of a Critical Thinker and if I haven't lost you already, I'm assuming that you have accepted my invitation. WELCOME!

As Critical Thinkers it is our duty to inquire, reflect, and formulate comprehensive theories that explain factual observations. We may use the findings of science to enhance or support a position, but as Critical Thinkers we still must insist upon careful reasoning and continuous examination of our beliefs and the beliefs of others. Critical Thinkers devote serious effort to the careful framing of significant questions; and also in finding answers. Whatever answers surface, The Critical Thinker must critically analyze them for clarity & reasonableness. They must be rigorously compared to alternative proposals and be evaluated on the basis of their overall adequacy. Analyze, Compare, & Evaluate; that's the name of the game!

Being a Critical Thinker is an inescapable activity. Everyone at some point in their life will have to draw a conclusion of some sort that will greatly impact their life or the life of a loved one. Therefore, it behooves us to become skilled Critical Thinkers. Notice how I said SKILLED. For our success greatly hinges on the judicial and deliberate development of this skill and discipline. When we present arguments to support one claim over another, when we defend a moral judgment, when we give reasons to favor one political stance over another, and when we give reasons for our faith this requires the presentation of valid & sound arguments.

The distinction then between an ordinary Thinker and a Critical Thinker is one of degree. Ordinary Thinkers usually express their beliefs in simple ordinary terms. Critical Thinkers, on the other hand typically use more exact and technical language that must be learned. The beliefs of ordinary people are normally expressed largely by implications, such as their actions and attitudes; their arguments are fragmented, and most often their conclusions are not warranted by their premises. Critical Thinkers however make their thought processes explicit through the careful structuring of arguments. These Critical Thinkers take the time to organize their positions and make them consistent,systematic, and defensible.

Another good reason to become a Critical Thinker is that it helps us to clarify issues, recognize a good argument, make better decisions, and to better recognize devices that are calculated to deceive. Critical Thinkers embrace the principle that knowledge is preferable to ignorance, and that awareness is of far greater value than ignorance. What we do not know, or will not acknowledge, can hurt us in the long run. We need to have a clear idea of the difference between truth and falsity. We must also be able to recognize the difference between what is imagined and what is factual, what is important and what is trivial, what is desirable and what is harmful. This way we're more likely to confront the challenges of life efficiently and victoriously.

Critical Thinking provides a protection against accepting false claims and wasting our time arguing over what is trivial and unimportant. Therefore as Critical Thinkers we shun blind acceptance of generally accepted claims; and we are committed to a persistent & systematic inquiry into the assumptions, methods, and criteria by which the doctrines, beliefs, & claims of so called "authority figures" and all people for that matter are made. Critical Thinking, then becomes a recipe - a method, that we can use to draw conclusions; regarding spiritual matters and also issues in our daily lives. A personal navigation system, if you will.

Engaging in Critical Thinking also toughens and sharpens your mind. I'm sure we can all benefit from a tougher and sharper mind. Neuroscience Experts and Psychologists estimate that we only use a third of our mental capacity. Could it be that by becoming skilled in the discipline of Critical Thinking that we would develop portions of the mind that for the most part would go undeveloped otherwise? Even now you may already feel a toughening and sharpening effect working itself upon your mind. It has been said that, "the mind once stretched can never return to its original dimensions." I am in agreement with that statement.

The ability to recognize hidden assumptions and assess these assumptions for validity and soundness is a rare commodity and skill possessed only by a trained Critical Thinker and it's what separates a skilled thinker from a vain babbler. The capacity and the willingness to cut beneath what others simply take for granted is the mark of a truly trained and well developed mind.

Critical Thinking is an organized discipline, a science if you will, a field of knowledge. The aim of Critical Thinking is to be able to "analyze" the way someone thinks, to "evaluate" what they propose, and to "assess" the impact of their ideas. As a Critical Thinker you will be expected to know the material, learn the vocabulary, and demonstrate your ability to "analyze", "evaluate" and "assess" people's arguments and claims; And also to be able to present an argument of your own in the structured, disciplined manner typical of Critical Thinkers.

The capacity to challenge and question the basic assumptions of the masses is a trademark of a skilled, well trained Critical Thinker. As Critical Thinkers we are to state clearly what we mean and endeavor to conscientiously understand what others express. We are to use terms carefully & relate concepts systematically; we are to organize experiences and ideas and then communicate them in intelligible dialogues; We are to endeavor diligently to arrive at defensible conclusions & use precise language; and most importantly we are to Analyze, Assess, and Evaluate our OWN ideas and beliefs.

The secret of a Critical Thinker is that they know how to keep an open mind, be perceptive, and critical all at the same time. That's the key. A wise man once said, "It is futile to have an open mind if you fail to shut it on something solid." I agree with him.The study & discipline of Critical Thinking is a worthy undertaking. It will serve you well in ANY undertaking. In your early stages of development you want to be careful of questioning everything yet settling nothing. Avoid questioning just for the sake of questioning. This has become a habit for some that was hard to break. As is often the case with bad habits.

As a Critical Thinker you will be trained to analyze, evaluate, & propose alternatives to the ideas, beliefs, & opinions held by either experts or amateurs in any realm of human thought or endeavor. Moreover, as a Critical Thinker you have a mandate to insist that people remain true to their premises, precise in their use of concepts, and logical in drawing conclusions. As a Critical Thinker you will be able to frame a coherent & logical system of ideas so that you will better be able to interpret every aspect of your experience on this plane. .

God offers to every mind its choice between truth and fables; take what you will, but you cannot have both. So once you begin to practice the discipline of Critical Thinking, you will come to the conclusion that you can't go back to your former way of thinking. You can only go forward from henceforth. As Critical Thinkers we must form reasoned views of humanity and of the universe in which we live. Doctrines must be carefully analyzed, compared and evaluated. As Critical Thinkers we are challenged to consider thoughtfully and make explicit grounds for our personal judgments and conclusions. As Critical Thinkers we should have an enlightened world view and be able to identify and analyze the basic assumptions that people depend on (but are rarely aware of) to make sense out of their lives and their experiences in the world. As Critical Thinkers we have a mandate to clarify concepts and construct defensible arguments. And thus, Critical Thinking is distinguished from ordinary thinking. God is demanding of His people to become Critical Thinkers! Will you accept the mandate for these last days?

According to the rules of logic - the science of reasoning; rhetoric( a common phrase used by ordinary thinkers and critical thinkers alike) is a form of communication designed to persuade and motivate people toward a predetermined action or opinion. It is the skillful use of language calculated to bring about a particular response. Rhetoric is emotional bribery which tends to be dogmatic and uncritical. Propaganda uses Rhetorical Ploys and devices; terms which will be explained later on in this study. Critical Thinkers on the other hand wish to educate and inform people, that they may reason the matter out for themselves and come to their own conclusions. The Creator blessed us with awesome Minds, therefore we ought to use them, and not let all The Lords good work go to waste. To think soundly, then, people must not let their emotions interfere with the process of logical reasoning. Many people allow their personal feelings to get in the way of logical thinking and therefore most fail to reach logical and sound conclusions. The end result being unnecessary suffering & countless perils.

So I ask you to join me today in the mandate to be Critical Thinkers in these deceptive times. Where everywhere you turn there is some new doctrine set in motion by those who have itching ears and who have fled from the truth. Even those who lie in wait to deceive and wish to turn whole churches and houses upside down with their lies and rhetorical devices just like their father who deceived Eve and led her astray from her place of power and from Him who gave her life.

Shalom,

In Him,

Eric......