Post-formal thinking

As part of my recent classes, I finally learned the academic "label" for something that I have noticed for several years. In the past, I had noticed that there seems to be several issues in Scripture that appear to have two or more solutions that are opposite, but equally valid answers. (For example, the Bible tells us that God is the One who provides us wisdom, but we are encouraged to pursue wisdom.) Since I am convinced that the Bible does not contain contradictions, it means that we are left to understand how both answers can be equally true.

The reality is known as a post-formal problem. It is post-formal in that it lies beyond just the logical answers one finds in formal problems. (That is a very simplified explanation, but frankly the definitions on this topic can be mind-numbingly boring!) I find this to be a fascinating line of thinking. I have wrestled with a couple of these issues for many years now, and it is comforting to see that other thinkers have recognized that these problems are out there for us to ponder.

A few of the post-formal problems I struggle with would include:
When it comes to salvation, is it that God has predestined people for salvation or do people have any choice in the matter?
God brings spiritual growth, but we are called to pursue our spiritual growth.
God is three but one.

As you ponder your own post-formal problems, you must keep a few things in mind.
1. Scripture never contradicts itself. Don't let a problem that you don't fully understand shake your faith in the veracity in God's word.
2. Wrestle problems like this with all of God's word in mind. Don't just pull your favorite verses that support your position and ignore passages that may contradict your position. We understand truth in light of all that the Bible says.
3. We will never have all the answers to most of these questions. The answer for these questions is often "Yes." Is God three or is God one? Yes, he is both. Most of these problems require us to live in tension with the two answers (God gives us wisdom, which requires us to depend upon God, while we pursue wisdom by using our time wisely to study for example.)
4. Post-formal thinking is not easy, but it should bring a deeper appreciation for the "bigness" of our God and cause us to depend upon him. We will never have all the answers, so we wrestle with the truths of Scripture, but we live a life of faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus.

So, don't be afraid to do a little deep thinking about the things of God.