a New Christianity

A Logical Relationship

“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God”

John 1:1 (RSV)

These are the words that the Apostle John uses to begin his Gospel. In this first verse of John, the word “Word” comes down to us from the Greek word “Logos”. “Strong's Concordance” has an entry for the word logos, which is entry number 3056.

Note that in this entry for logos we find the word, reason:

  1. reasoning (the mental faculty);
  2. reason or cause
  3. and, As used by Heraclitus around 600 B.C.: the divine reason, or plan

Focusing in on the word reason, we find in the dictionary (at dictionary.com) that the word reason leads us to the word logical. By consulting the dictionary again, for the root word logic we find that the origins of the word logic include a familiar Greek word, logos! This word path leads in a circle!

Why is this word exercise important? It has been said that, as human beings, our ability to reason is what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. Certainly the thinking person has a distinct advantage over an animal that operates out of habit or instinct. This ability to reason, which sets us apart, comes from God. Some even consider it one of the gifts of the spirit.

But God would not give us a gift, that he didn't expect us to use. Consider the parable of the Talents. While in this parable, the word talents actually refers to a certain amount of money, it just as appropriately applies to the spiritual gifts, and in this case, our ability to reason. In the parable of the Talents, the lazy servant is rebuked for being lazy, and not working to improve upon the talent, which was given to him. We would not be surprised then, to find ourselves in a similar position, if we were to squander, or fail to make use of the spiritual gift of reason which has been given to us.

That is why We, the authors and editors of “A New Christianity.org” feel so strongly about the statement on the Information page. Whenever you read or learn anything new about God, or your relationship to Him, you should verify it with the “still, small voice within” (sometimes referred to as the “voice of reason”). If you find it to be true, then believe it. If you don't, then keep looking for the truth!"

Grace and peace to you all!
Paul

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