DOGMATISM
I. Definition of Dogmatism
That method of procedure which systematizes truth deducted from the Bible. It is an intellectual connected system in technical language of what is contained in the Word of God.
II. Rational life requires a purpose.
A. Such a purpose must be regarded as a fixed truth. Can anyone bend and justify all energies toward something he may reject tomorrow?
B. If life is worth living, value and purpose must have fixed principles and not vague principles.
C. Requirements:
Know what the good was that made life better;
Choice of method for achieving this good;
A system.
III. All systems of truth are ultimately a priori
A. Argument of empirical apologists against presumppositionalists – a priori principles, since they are not based on evidence are arbitrary, and if arbitrary, the a priori of any other system is just as legitimate as the Word.
B. But these apologists are empiricists. As such, they must hold that data is more reliable than a God-given revelation. They must hold that data is self-authenticating and that the Bible cannot be self-authenticating.
C. Question:
How can you convince the unbeliever if you start with the Bible? But how can you convince the dogmatist of empirical evidence if he does not accept the first principle of empiricism?
D. Therefore, empirical apologists are equally unable to provide any evidence for their own first principle. What they call evidence is evidence only on their own presuppositions as to what the nature of evidence is. The objections they level against presuppositionalism apply to themselves with equal force.
