The
great questions of life that philosophers ask is:
"Who are we? Where
do we come from?
Where are we going?
Where
do we go to seek wisdom and answers to the mysteries of
life?
Do we inquire according to
secular wisdom, or religious teachings?
Or is there another?
How does Godly Wisdom contrast
to secular wisdom?
How does Godly Wisdom contrast
with "religious" wisdom?
3
PARADIGMS
OF WISDOM AND TRUTH
The
Paradigm of Worldly Wisdom Contrasted to Godly Wisdom
For
it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
(1Cor:1:19:KJV)
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by
wisdom
knew not God,
it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save
them that believe. (-1Cor:1:21:KJV
)
THE
PARADIGM OF WORLDLY WISDOM
Worldly
wisdom extols and rewards self-exaltation and individuality Godly
wisdom (the Truth) says deny yourself take up your cross,
die to yourself.
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom no man is "good
"Worldly wisdom is based upon observation and the appearance
of things Godly
wisdom (the Truth) The unseen things
are eternal and have a substance yet to be known by human
reason.
Worldly wisdom is based upon "scientific" principle and measurable
phenomena.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that
if you believe in the unseen you have faith and will see the
results manifested.
Worldly
wisdom is characterized by the domination (rulership) of the
strong and the mighty over the weak.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that
God chooses the weak and the insignificant to shame the wise
and strong.
Worldly wisdom devalues humans with few assets, (the poor)
having childlike meekness and simplicity. Godly wisdom (the
Truth) reveals that the greatest in the kingdom of God are
like children. Humble, trusting, and meek.
Worldly wisdom values and rewards intellectual achievement
and scholarship.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches that
the wisdom of man is foolishness to him.
Worldly
wisdom recognizes classes as inferior or superior rank and
class, this is respect of persons. Godly wisdom (the Truth)
teaches that those who are poor shall eventually receive
the blessings of the kingdom. The proud and the mighty
he scatters and turns away.
Worldly wisdom's view of the "vast timeless universe" diminishes
or negates the need of a savior.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) teaches
that God created the heaven and the earth by wisdom and
all things that are in it. And he called his creation
"good."
Worldly
wisdom features "self preservation" as a principle
Godly
wisdom (the Truth) speaks of self
sacrifice as a divine virtue
Worldly
wisdom believes life may well be over when one dies Godly
wisdom (the Truth) we are eternal
beings who retain our own soul's personal identity
forever. Some will inherit eternal blessings and others
will inherit eternal separation from God.
Worldly wisdom presumes that God regards any and all religion
or faith as valid (democratically.)
Worldly wisdom presumes that God does not favor any one
nation over another. Godly wisdom (the Truth) reveals
that one nation is the chosen people of God. There is
only one mediator between God and man. Jesus the
son of God, the king of the Jews.
Godly
wisdom (the Truth) reveals that one nation is the
chosen people of God. The Bible established upon infallible
promises, states that there is only one mediator between
God and man. Jesus the son of God, the king of the
Jews.
Worldly
wisdom would suggest that (if there is a god) God is the
same but is called by many names.
Godly
wisdom (the Truth) though there are many gods there is
but one God who is above all and we can hold no god higher
than He.
Worldly wisdom presumes that God is essentially impersonal.
Godly wisdom (the Truth) says that
we can become sons of God. Adapted
into the family. We are called to inherit
the blessings and partake in His divine
nature.
Worldly
wisdom (allowing religious belief) believes that all of
the human race are automatically "children
of God"
Godly wisdom (the
Truth) Whoever believes on the Son
of God, Jesus Christ has eternal life. Whoever
has not the son has no life but the
condemnation of God remains upon them.
Paradigm
of Religious Wisdom
In
the religious paradigm the religious life centers around
a "church house"
In the religious paradigm the church building
is called the "Church"
In the religious paradigm the traditional
church features such elemests as: pulpits
and pews, stained glass windows, organs and 'sacred music'
solemnity
and formalism, ecclesiastical garb, robes,
orders of service, ritual, - - designated ranks
of clerical authority.
In the religious paradigm a formally trained priest or
clergy "officiates" over the
"services"
In the religious paradigm a formal address
or sermon delivered to the faithful is called "preaching"
In the religious paradigm one or two hours
a week meet one's religious requirements, involvement
In the religious paradigm only the professionally
trained clergy are qualified to "minister"
In the religious paradigm there is "respect
of persons" - - a heirarchy of spiritual rank or
authority
In the religious paradigm members may be
totally disassociated in worship or prayer
In the religious paradigm a person's spiritual
life is largely governed, directed or sustained others
In the religious paradigm the exploits of
God and Saints are in the dim past
In the religious paradigm people are taught
how to please God with certain
deeds or obligations
In the religious paradigm there are may be particular
duties required to attain "good standing"
In the religious paradigm one often does
not experience God but only hears about
God
In the religious paradigm one often doesn't
know if he/she qualifies for a heavenly reward, (is saved)
In the religious paradigm Bible doctrine
plus traditional
teachings form core doctrines
Paradigm
of Godly Wisdom, (Modeled by Jesus)
In
the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom there are paradoxes
to the natural
instincts or wisdom of man
the
least shall be greatest;
The first shall be last;
many
called but few chosen; we
must die (to ourselves) in order to live;
We must hate the things of this world;
we
must be like a child, God has hidden wisdom from the wise;
the unseen things are a greater reality
than the seen. etc.
In
the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom man in his natural
abilities (I can do nothing of myself) can do
nothing of value for the kingdom of God
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom,
the spiritual man is totally dependant
upon the guidance of the Spirit
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom
we are in a perpetual spiritual battle
for survival and dominance in life
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom
there is eternal life, promised rewards
and consequences
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model Jesus preached to those
outside pertaining to the Kingdom
of God and taught his followers
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom only those who
are born of the
Spirit and led of the Spirit are the Children
of God
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom people are discipled;
disciples are nurtured
and matured
and then charged with ministry
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom ministry is through
the leading of the Holy Spirit
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom true worshipers
worship in Spirit and in Truth
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom, wisdom and insight
is hidden from the double minded
and the unredeemed
In the Jesus, Spirit-led model of wisdom we could memorize
the Bible and not fully know
God
and the truth- only the Spirit reveals it.