Accepting Quote by Cornelius Van Til
“There are those, of course, who deny that they need any form of authority. They are the popular atheists and agnostics. Such men say that they must be shown by 'reason' whatever they are to accept as true. But the great thinkers among non-Christian men have taken no such position. They know that they cannot cover the whole area of reality with their knowledge.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til, 1955
He argues that some people reject authority, relying solely on reason, yet great thinkers accept limits of human knowledge and the need for divine authority.
In simple terms: People often deny authority, but wise thinkers recognize human limits and accept higher authority.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of reason and be open to higher authority.
Themes
authority
reason
human limits
faith
knowledge
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- religious debate
- personal belief formation
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Epistemology
theology
humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance reason and faith?
- What limits does human knowledge have?
A Different Perspective
Relying only on reason can ignore deeper truths.
![“He [Christ] came to bring peace, to be sure, but the peace that He came to bring must be built upon the complete destruction of the power of darkness.” quote by Cornelius Van Til](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e9a/cornelius-van-til-30277_built_he-christ-came-to-bring-peace-to-be-sure_557644.jpg)
![“[The intellect of fallen man] may be compared to a buzz-saw that is sharp and shining, ready to cut the boards that come to it. Let us say that a carpenter wishes to cut fifty boards for the purpose of laying the floor of a house. He has marked his boards. He has set his saw. He begins at one end…” quote by Cornelius Van Til](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a17/cornelius-van-til-30277_first-contact_the-intellect-of-fallen-man-may-be-compa_1082632.jpg)
