Basic TrainingBible MinistriesGene CunninghamBasic Training Bible Ministries KBKnowledge Base

What is rationalism?

Answered by Gene Cunningham, Basic Training Bible Ministries · from The Basics

Rationalism is reliance on human reason for the discovery of truth. Its standard of measure is the human intellect, and the rationalist believes only if something can be reasoned out with human logic.

This method of learning is flawed because it can never extend beyond the tiny limits of human intelligence. While rationalism has a role in education and discovery, it is of no use in man's attempt to find or know God.

Living by rationalism instead of by faith occurs when a person turns negative toward the Word of God and establishes a vacuum in the soul, which leads to the acceptance of lies and false doctrines.

Also asked: What is rationalism in the context of discovering truth? · What is the main problem with using human intellect as the sole standard for measuring truth?
Also asked, more loosely
How is relying on human reason for understanding truth a flawed approach?

Source: The Basics The Basics -- Subject Index entry 'Rationalism' (printed pp. 47, 130) · Read this lesson in the book →

What this answer is about

The subjects this answer names in its own words. Where the record names that subject itself, it is shown in bold.

LearningRationalismSouldiscovery of Truth

Related questions

    Scripture recorded with this answer

    Where this is taught in the book

    Closest first: the pages where the book treats this subject most directly.

    Lesson 1–5: The Potential—Faith

    p.47

    Lesson 3–2: The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion

    p.130

    Lesson 2–1: The Manual—The Bible

    p.53p.56p.58

    Lesson 2–2: The Base—The Church

    p.65p.74

    Lesson 2–3: The Commission—Evangelism

    p.78p.89

    Lesson 2–4: The Equipment—Spiritual Gifts

    p.100

    Lesson 2–5: The Supply Line—Prayer

    p.110

    Lesson 3–1: The Race—The Christian Life

    p.124

    More pages teach this. The Source line above carries the full citation and opens the book.

    Scripture is not BTBM’s to license: the references above link to Blue Letter Bible (NASB95), and the verse text shown on this page is served by BLB under their own license and terms.