What is realism? What is a Christian view of realism?

TL;DR:

Realism posits the existence of universals or abstract objects, while Christianity affirms God as the ultimate reality and source of all truth.

Realism is a philosophical position that asserts the existence of universal concepts or abstract objects, independent of human perception. While the Bible doesn't directly address philosophical realism, it provides a foundation for understanding reality and truth. Scripture affirms God as the ultimate reality and source of all truth (John 14:6; Colossians 2:3). The Bible presents a worldview where both physical and non-physical (spiritual) realities exist, created and sustained by God (Colossians 1:16–17). This perspective allows for a nuanced Christian approach to realism, acknowledging the existence of universal truths and abstract concepts, while grounding them in God's nature and revelation.

from the old testament

Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This verse establishes God as the source of all reality, both physical and non-physical.
Exodus 3:14: "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And he said, 'Say this to the people of Israel: "I AM has sent me to you."'" God reveals Himself as the self-existent, ultimate reality, providing a foundation for understanding abstract concepts.
Proverbs 8:22–31: This passage personifies wisdom as existing before creation, suggesting the reality of abstract concepts in God's mind before the physical world.
Isaiah 55:8–9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." This implies the existence of transcendent truths and realities beyond human comprehension, contained within the being of God Himself.

from the new testament

John 1:1–3: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." This presents Jesus as the eternal Logos, the embodiment of divine reason and truth.
Colossians 1:16–17: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Here, Paul affirms Christ's role in creating and sustaining all reality, including invisible, spiritual entities.
Hebrews 11:3: "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." This verse suggests that visible reality has its source in invisible, possibly abstract, divine realities.
Second Corinthians 4:18: "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." Paul encourages believers to focus on unseen, eternal realities, implying their existence beyond the physical realm.

implications for today

A Christian perspective on realism acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all reality, both physical and abstract. This view allows for the existence of universal truths and abstract concepts but grounds them in God's nature, rather than as independent, self-existent entities. Recognizing God as the source of all reality can encourage humility in our intellectual pursuits. It reminds us that while we can grasp truth, our understanding is finite and dependent on God's revelation. This fosters a balance between confident assertion of knowable truths and humble acknowledgment of mystery in areas beyond our comprehension.

In ethics and morality, Christian realism provides a solid foundation for universal moral truths, grounded in God's unchanging nature. This counters moral relativism and provides a basis for addressing complex ethical issues in our society. For science and philosophy, this view encourages rigorous inquiry while recognizing the limits of human reason. It suggests that the regularities and laws we observe in nature reflect the consistent character of their Creator. So, a Christian perspective on realism calls us to seek truth diligently, knowing that all truth is God's truth. It encourages us to engage thoughtfully with different philosophical viewpoints, always bringing them under the scrutiny of God's revealed Word.

understand

Christianity views God as the ultimate reality and source of all truth.
The Bible supports both physical and spiritual realities, with all being created and sustained by God.
Christian realism acknowledges that while abstract concepts exist, they are ultimately grounded in God's revelation and are not independent of Him.

reflect

How does understanding God as the ultimate source of all truth influence your perception of abstract concepts and universal truths in daily life?
How can acknowledging God as the creator and sustainer of all realities (both physical and spiritual) deepen your understanding of complex moral and ethical issues?
How might recognizing the limitations of human reason and the need for divine revelation affect your approach to learning and intellectual pursuits?

engage

Realism and Christianity are not inherently incompatible. While realism asserts the existence of abstract concepts, Christianity roots these concepts in the ultimate reality of God’s nature and revelation.
How does the Christian view of realism integrate with your understanding of the relationship between faith and reason?
What are some practical examples where abstract concepts or universal truths are reflected in your experiences or observations of God’s character and creation?
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