Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
The “blank slate” metaphor frames prior Christian instruction as normal and often mostly true, yet also “probably the biggest single obstacle to finding God's complete truth”; what parts of your theological “slate” feel untouchable, and what would it look like—concretely—to admit, “I might be wrong on some fundamentals or important matters”?
Another way to ask: What beliefs of yours feel “untouchable,” and what would it look like in real life to say, “I might be wrong about some important things”?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, the “untouchable” parts are usually the beliefs we assume cannot possibly be wrong because of prior teaching, church culture, or personal certainty. Concretely admitting “I might be wrong” means naming your biases, refusing to pretend you’re neutral, and being willing to re-examine even important beliefs through honest, contextual study of all relevant Scriptures.
- He says first step in critical interpretation: “start with a blank slate,” because certainty makes it “next to impossible to learn anything that would contradict that.”
- Prior instruction is “not… something bad,” and may be “90% true,” but still becomes “probably the biggest single obstacle to finding God's complete truth.”
- Step one: “acknowledge that we aren't starting with a blank slate… recognize that we have a problem.”
- Step two: “analyze what our biases are,” including beliefs about “salvation, baptism, life after death.”
- Hardest step: “recognize that what we believe… may be wrong, at least in some areas.”