In his essay on Bulverism, C.S. Lewis describes a way of argument that is all too common in today’s society. This type of argument, which was also prevalent in Lewis’s time, seeks to destroy any opposing argument without refuting it. People now use the argument that one is wrong because they are a certain way rather than because the facts do not support their argument. Lewis writes that this is incorrect because “you must show that a man is wrong before you start explaining why he is wrong “(2). Bulverism can be used to dismiss everything from religions to political ideologies. Ultimately, argues Lewis, Bulverism is attempting to crush reason. If we crush reason, however, then we can never argue, even if we are Bulverizing.
The importance of reason was extremely evident in this essay. Along with this came the importance of a force which created reason. The section taken down by the Socratic Club Secretary was harder to follow than the rest of the essay, but it also talked a lot more about the origin of reason. This was not something that we talked about much in class, so I would like to address it as best I can in my blog. Lewis does not shy away from the fact that there must be a creator when he is talking about reason. Up to this point, I had never seen reason presented as evidence for a creator. Usually, it is reason that is trying to destroy the idea of a creator. Perhaps this is the best example of Bulverism we have seen. People use their reason, a God given gift, when they attempt to disprove God. People who believe in a creator are often called “close-minded” or “old-fashioned”. It is because of our Christianity that our core belief must not be true. God cannot exist because the people who believe in him are Christians. Yes, there is other evidence presented, but it often takes a backseat to the Bulverization.
As Christians, how should we respond? Should we tell an Atheist that they would not understand our belief because they are a biologist or a journalist or a Democrat? Of course not! This proves nothing. There are many wonderful Christians who are biologists and journalists and Democrats! We must try to find a way to prove God’s existence by forging relationships and showing love to people who would attack us. If we can forgo Bulverism, then we can achieve a discussion that Lewis would be proud of.
I like how you said that bulverizing attempts to crush reason. That is a very understandable way to put it. Everyone bulverizes, maybe meaning to maybe not. They do it because it makes them feel better about themselves or maybe they are just argumentative. Sin is the reason and we all have fallen in to sin but thanks to God sending His son to save us we can work towards a blverism free world. One day that will happen. Until then I agree with you that we should live a bulverism free life and give to others the love the God gave us.
ReplyDeleteI like that you approached the topic of reason because we did not take the opportunity to discuss it much in class. I also think your statement that "Usually, it is reason that is trying to destroy the idea of a creator." I agree that often is the case in our society. It is interesting to see this topic considered from a different perspective as you pointed out. Thanks for your fresh insights.
ReplyDeleteYour concluding message of love is inspiring. I think as you say, "forging relationships and showing love to people who would attack us" can help us refrain from bulverizing. I just wish it wasn't easier said than done! It's something we can certainly all make an effort to do.
ReplyDeleteI commend you for taking into consideration also the second part of this essay! It is a pity that we had not enough time for all…
ReplyDeleteYes, the ‘origin of reason’ and the fact that reasoning points to a Creator is an interesting development in this article. We could even remind any evolutionist that, if everything is random, this tells me that I cannot even trust my thoughts, as they will be also part of this randomicity!
I like this quote of Al Wolters from ‘Creation Regained':
"The whole vast range of human is neither the spectacle of the arbitrary aberrations of an evolutionary freak nor the inspiring panorama of the creative achievements of the autonomous Self; it is rather a display of the marvelous wisdom of God in creation and the profound meaningfulness of our task in the world. We are called to participate in the ongoing creational
work of God (quote by commenter: with reason), to be God's helper in the executing to the end the blueprint of His masterpiece."
adriana
I really like how you explained this whole reason-cause thing. I understand it quite a bit better than before. The end of your essay really hits the point. Spreading the Christian message really comes down to loving on not only the people around us, but also our enemies. Showing, or better yet, being Christ's love to others is possibly the best way to spread the good news. By doing this, you can almost entirely forgo arguments and the walls that are immediately thrown up because of it.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of your blog entry is your discussion of how we, as humans, are apt to use our reason, which (along with everything else) is a gift from God, to destroy the idea of God in our minds. That which is created trying to combat the Creator--when we look at it in this manner, the futility of our attempts to ignore God can plainly be seen.
ReplyDelete