What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment. It’s the assessment and exploration of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments in order to form a conclusion by the application of rational, skeptical and unbiased analysis and assessment.

The word, critical, comes from the Greek (KRITIKOS), which means to judge or discern. Critical thinking is not the process of finding fault, or being negative for that matter. Biblically, it entails the Berean attitude found in the Book of Acts.

Acts 17:10-12 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

They were not looking to prove or disprove; rather, they simply sought the truth of the matter with eagerness. The result was they found the truth and believed, which is part of the objective: believing the truth. Trying to disprove something can lead to doubt and unbelief, and seeking to prove it can lead to overlooking facts or evidence that may contradict your bias.  

The Importance of Self-Awareness

To think critically, it’s important to be aware of one’s personal biases and opinions. A vital element of this is being honest with ourselves; otherwise, the ability to ascertain truth is will be extremely hindered. One aspect of this is being blatantly aware that we don’t know it all. There’s far more to learn than what we already know on any given subject.

The Importance of Being Malleable

It’s crucial to maintain a willingness to change your mind when faced with truth that contradicts what you desire to be true. If you hold to the maxim, “Don’t confuse me with the facts, I’ve already made up my mind,” at some point you may find yourself blindsided. Of course, this attitude leads to self-deception.

Because we all love certainty, it can be rather unsettling to find something that contradicts what we’ve believed to be true, especially for a long period. But true freedom in Christ requires truth.

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Emotions

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Emotions can cloud the ability to see accurately. That being said, truth from above includes having peace. This is one aspect to consider when weighing what’s before us. Secondly, confusion is clue that we haven’t obtained it. One facet of truth is that once you have it, you cannot be confused.

Secondly, emotions can lead you astray, especially when there’s a conversation with others. Again, this where self-awareness is imperative, which includes keeping your emotions in check. Being cognizant of pride trying to hijack the conversation helps maintain the peace, which in turn helps facilitate truth. How many actually achieve clarity in an emotionally charged debate?

Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Humility and restraint, along with patience and love are indispensable when discussing truth with others.

2 Timothy 2:14-16 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study (be diligent) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

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