At least since Kant, debates about knowledge have been framed in terms of objective v. subjective: Do we have actual and certain access to things that are outside our brain (objective), or does our mind determine what we know (subjective)? Is truth absolute and objective, or relative and subjective?
Christians are inclined to defend the objectivity of the world and of our knowledge of it. On the other hand: Does it make any sense to talk about my knowledge in a way that bypasses me ?
I have a simple litmus test to cut through the issues: Any attempt to establish the objectivity of knowledge that doesn’t depend on the reality of God is mistaken. Any theory of truth that in which capital-T Truth is something other than attribute of God is sub-Christian. Any epistemology that can dispense with God has got to be wrong.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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