In this podcast, the hosts explore the contrast between two forms of knowledge: curiositas and studiositas. They discuss the dangers of seeking forbidden knowledge and the suppression of important topics in public discourse. The importance of trust, privacy, and self-expression is also analyzed. The battle for the preservation of creature goods, the relationship between science and Christianity, and the importance of character and trust are explored as well.
Studiousness is a virtuous desire to know and understand within proper boundaries, while curiosity seeks to dominate knowledge by going beyond rightful limits.
God intentionally conceals certain knowledge from humanity, but provides sufficient revelation through his law and promises, striking a balance between hidden and revealed knowledge.
Deep dives
The Battle between Studiousness and Curiosity
The podcast episode discusses the difference between studiousness and curiosity. Studiousness is a virtuous desire to know and understand within the proper boundaries. It involves receiving knowledge as a gift and relating to it in a hierarchical manner. On the other hand, curiosity is a distorted form of appetite that seeks to dominate and possess knowledge. It is driven by the desire to control and master things, going beyond the rightful boundaries of inquiry. The episode highlights the importance of discerning between these two forms of inquiry and the potential dangers of indulging in unhealthy curiosity.
The Significance of Hidden and Revealed Knowledge
The podcast explores the concept of hidden and revealed knowledge. It emphasizes that God, as the ultimate knower, intentionally conceals certain knowledge from humanity. God's transcendent nature and the limitations of our finite understanding necessitate this hiddenness. However, God also provides revelation through his law and promises, giving us sufficient knowledge for our life and faith. The episode discusses the importance of recognizing this balance between the hidden and revealed aspects of God's knowledge and how it informs our faith and actions in the world.
Understanding Intellectual Appetite and Its Deformations
The podcast delves into the concept of intellectual appetite and its deformations. It distinguishes between legitimate forms of desire for knowledge, known as studiousness, and unhealthy curiosity. Studiousness involves a proper orientation towards understanding and receiving knowledge as a gift within the bounds of God's created order. Curiosity, however, represents a distorted appetite driven by the desire for control and dominance in knowledge. The episode highlights the importance of developing a healthy intellectual appetite and discerning the boundary between legitimate inquiry and harmful curiosity.
Nurturing a Balanced Approach to Knowledge and Action
The podcast episode emphasizes the need to balance our pursuit of knowledge with the recognition of our limits and the necessity for action. It observes that, in our finite existence, we can never know everything and are called to act in a world of partial understanding. The episode encourages focusing on the knowledge that has been revealed to us through Scripture, God's law, and our reasoning capabilities. It also highlights the importance of resisting the temptation to indulge in curiosity driven by the desire for dominance and control. It encourages seeking wisdom and discernment in our pursuit of knowledge, embracing the limitations of our understanding, and engaging in actions that are in alignment with God's revealed truth.
Today Chris shares some fascinating passages from a book entitled: Intellectual Appetite--A Theological Grammar by Paul J. Griffiths. In the book Griffiths contrasts two forms of intellectual appetite: "curiositas" and "studiositas" and why one form of knowledge enriches the soul while the other degrades it. Join us as we discuss forbidden knowledge!
The Theology Pugcast is a ministry of Trinity Reformed Church in Huntsville Alabama. To view more media from TRC, visit their website: https://trinityreformedkirk.com/trc-media/
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