In baseball or football, achieving a shutout is
a sign of excellence; in thought, it is a sign of immaturity.
The shutout in thought is a phenomenon peculiar to man and inconsistent
with his logical capacities. This shutout is a belligerent refusal
to allow evidence to influence one's thinking. All arguments of
validity are "shut out" of the individual's think tank,
prejudged as unworthy of consideration.
The shutout is often seen in the scientific world.
Overcome by the propaganda of evolutionary thought, rising, bright
students are inclined to rule out, a priori (at the first),
any scientific evidence that points to creationism. Circular reasoning
invades the spongy minds and intimidates prospective challengers.
"We know creation couldn't happen because we know evolution
did," they say. "How do we know evolution happened?"
one might question. He is rebutted with a terse "Because
we know creation couldn't." Darwinists mount all sorts of
evidence, save that which they really needintermediary fossils
that display a progression of one life form to another. Creationist
scientists also examine evidence and find much conclusive of a
young earth and an instantaneous creation. However, "serious
scientists" give it no credence. Why? Because "respectable
science" allows no room for creation. The evidence is dismissed
as anomalous, contradictory, and useless before it is even considered.
The result is a convenient clinging to one's pre-conceived ideas,
due to achievement of an intellectual shutout.
The same is true regarding the miraculous. "The
miracles recorded in the Bible couldn't have happened," we
are told, "because miracles don't happen." This is the
logical fault of assuming one's conclusion to prove the same.
"Jesus could not have been raised from the dead because dead
people stay dead." "Jesus could not have walked on water
because gravity would not allow it." "The Israelites
must have found a shallow place in the Red Sea to cross, because
no one could ever cause it to part." These are examples of
naturalistic shutouts. Some assume that things always have been
the way they are now and that there have been no temporary, supernaturally
imposed exceptions. "Since things have always been this way,"
they argue, "they must have always been this way." Does
not that seem quite a leap of, well, faith, to believe that all
time unseen by present philosophers witnessed no exceptions to
accepted natural law?
The shutout even characterizes religious thought.
Idolaters rule out evidence of one Creator God. Followers of self-claimed
and unproven prophets summarily disregard historical evidence
substantiating Jesus Christ's resurrection and Deity claims. Those
affirming belief in Christ shut out sound, scriptural reasoning
concerning the fullness of His teachings and His requirement of
obedience. How tragic that God's gift of logic is so corrupted
by pre-existing bias.
Is it possible that even Christians who appear
to be walking in truth employ the shutout? Could it be true that
some hold to pet beliefs due more to family tradition than scriptural
reasoning? Are there some who even hold true beliefs but cannot
defend them, biblically, and have no intention of learning to
do so? This is a shutout against which the Bible warns (1 Peter
3:15).
Openness of mind is to be cherished. Yes, some
abuse this grand notion. Some accuse those who hold fast to a
truth of being "closed-minded" simply because they will
not change their minds. Openness of mind, however, is not a vacillating
between truth and error, or a tossing with every wind of doctrine
(Ephesians 4:14). This noble phenomenon is simply a willingness
to consider evidence. One may be swayed in one direction (and
may be completely right!) in a belief. Still, a haughty attitude
may corrupt the individual's nobility. "I know I am right
and I cannot be wrong" is quite a different statement from
"I see much evidence for my conclusion, and am firm in it,
but I am always willing to think about it. Be aware, though, that
a change of my opinion will require the soundest of reasoning
backed by the fullness of scripture."
As thoughtful and committed members of the Lord's
church, may we ever stand fast in the truth. May we not waver
in tenaciously demanding Bible authority for our manner of life
and mode of worship. Also, in balance, may we never be guilty
of that of which we accuse others (cf. Rom. 2:1 ff.) by achieving
a disreputable "shutout." 327 Suzanne St, Washington,
WV 26181.