The Great Commission, as articulated in Matthew 28:18-20, serves as a fundamental mandate for Christians to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations. However, fulfilling this commission is not merely a matter of zeal or intention; it requires a solid foundation of philosophical truths. Dr. Groothuis outlines several key philosophical concepts essential for effectively carrying out the Great Commission, including the correspondence view of truth, the existence of propositions, and the law of non-contradiction.
1. The Correspondence View of Truth
The correspondence view of truth posits that a statement is true if and only if it corresponds to reality. This concept is crucial for Christianity, which is based on objective truths revealed in history. For instance, Jesus claimed to be "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6), indicating that His teachings are grounded in reality rather than mere subjective opinions. The Apostle Paul reinforces this view in 1 Corinthians 15, where he discusses the resurrection of Jesus. He argues that if Christ has not been raised, then Christian preaching and faith are rendered useless. This highlights the importance of truth being anchored in reality; without it, the entire Christian message collapses.
2. The Existence of Propositions
Propositions are the meanings behind declarative sentences and are essential for coherent thought and communication. Dr. Groothuis emphasizes that without propositions, language and thought fall into incoherence, undermining the knowledge necessary for fulfilling the Great Commission. For example, the statements "Jesus is Lord" and "The Lord is Jesus alone" express the same proposition despite using different words. The immaterial nature of propositions is vital because it allows for the communication of truth across different languages and contexts. If propositions did not exist, there would be no reliable way to convey or affirm the truths of the Christian faith, making it impossible to effectively share the Gospel.
3. The Law of Non-Contradiction
The law of non-contradiction is a fundamental principle in logic that states that contradictory statements cannot both be true at the same time and in the same sense. Dr. Groothuis explains that this law serves as a necessary test for all truth claims. If a truth claim passes this test, it may be true; if it fails, it must be false. This principle is particularly relevant when discussing the resurrection of Jesus. If Jesus rose from the dead, then it is false to claim that He did not. Without the law of non-contradiction, meaningful communication and thought would be impossible, as contradictory claims could both be accepted as true, leading to confusion and a lack of knowledge.
Conclusion
In summary, the Great Commission requires a robust philosophical foundation to ensure that the message of Christianity is communicated effectively and truthfully. The correspondence view of truth, the existence of propositions, and the law of non-contradiction are essential components that support the integrity of the Christian message. By understanding and applying these philosophical truths, Christians can better fulfill their calling to make disciples and share the teachings of Jesus with the world.
Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D., is a Professor of Philosophy at Denver Seminary and the author of nineteen books, including Fire in the Streets (a critique of critical race theory or wokeness) and Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith.
Find more from Dr. Groothuis at www.DouglasGroothuis.com.
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Truth Tribe with Douglas Groothuis