Reasoner
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In the context of the Bible, a "reasoner" refers to an individual who engages in the process of reasoning, which involves the use of logic and critical thinking to understand and interpret the truths of Scripture. The concept of reasoning is integral to the biblical narrative, as it encourages believers to seek understanding and wisdom through thoughtful reflection and dialogue.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of reasoning and understanding. In Isaiah 1:18 , God invites His people to reason together with Him: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." This passage highlights the divine invitation to engage in a rational discourse with God, underscoring the value placed on reasoning in the pursuit of spiritual truth and reconciliation.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exemplifies the role of a reasoner in his ministry. Acts 17:2-3 describes Paul's approach in Thessalonica: "As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead." Paul's method of reasoning from the Scriptures demonstrates the use of logical argumentation to convey the truths of the Gospel.

Role of Reasoning in Faith

Reasoning is not opposed to faith; rather, it complements it by providing a framework for understanding and articulating one's beliefs. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages believers to be prepared to give a reason for their hope: "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but respond with gentleness and respect." This verse underscores the importance of being able to reason through one's faith and to communicate it effectively to others.

The use of reason is also evident in the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." The pursuit of wisdom and understanding is a call to engage the mind in the process of reasoning, reflecting the biblical view that true wisdom is rooted in a thoughtful and discerning approach to life.

Challenges and Limitations

While reasoning is a valuable tool in the pursuit of truth, the Bible also acknowledges its limitations. Human reasoning, apart from divine revelation, can be flawed and incomplete. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage reminds believers that while reasoning is important, it must be grounded in trust and reliance on God's wisdom and guidance.

The Apostle Paul also warns against the dangers of relying solely on human wisdom. In 1 Corinthians 1:20-21 , he writes, "Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." This highlights the distinction between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom, emphasizing that true understanding comes from God.

Conclusion

The role of a reasoner in the biblical context is to engage thoughtfully and critically with the truths of Scripture, seeking to understand and articulate the faith in a coherent and meaningful way. While reasoning is a valuable tool, it must be exercised in conjunction with faith and reliance on divine revelation, recognizing the limitations of human understanding and the supremacy of God's wisdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) One who reasons or argues; as, a fair reasoner; a close reasoner; a logical reasoner.
Library

Celsus, Then, Does not Speak as a Good Reasoner...
... Chapter XLII. Celsus, then, does not speak as a good reasoner? Celsus,
then, does not speak as a good reasoner, [3565] when he ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlii celsus then does.htm

Whether Reason Should be Reckoned a Part of Prudence?
... to others. But this is the work of reason. Wherefore it is requisite for
prudence that man should be an apt reasoner. And since ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether reason should be reckoned.htm

Of the Trinity and a Christian
... 2. And therefore, hence it is that a Christian is not called a doer, a reasoner,
an objector, and perverse disputer, but a believer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/miscellaneous pieces/of the trinity and a.htm

From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ...
... through the entire conflict the character of an able divine, a sound moralist, a
consistent minister of Jesus Christ, and an acute and conclusive reasoner. ...
/.../chapter 3 from the death.htm

The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It.
... thou that makest thy boast of the law, through, breaking the law dishonorest thou
God?". The apostle Paul is a very keen and cogent reasoner. ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the approbation of goodness is.htm

Birth and Ancestors. Family Circumstances. "Fist and Skull" ...
... If my father's mind had been trained, it would have been one of vast power. He was
philosophical, a good reasoner, and possessed of unusual discrimination. ...
/.../chapter i birth and ancestors.htm

Spiritual Dryness.
... spiritual. A little affection for the things of earth robs the soul of spiritual
life. In this matter Satan is an excellent reasoner. He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/spiritual dryness.htm

The Death of Death
... In the part of the passage, verses 50 to 58, the Apostle becomes, not the witness
or the reasoner, as in the earlier parts of the chapter, but the revealer of ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the death of death.htm

John and the Gospel of Love.
... [817]. John was not a logician, but a seer; not a reasoner, but a mystic; he does
not argue, but assert; he arrives at conclusions with one bound, as by direct ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section72 john and the gospel.htm

Examples of the Various Styles Drawn from Scripture.
... these be all discussed and solved, the reasoning is extended to such a length, that
unless the memory be exceedingly powerful and active the reasoner finds it ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 20 examples of the various.htm

Thesaurus
Reasoner (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who reasons or argues; as, a fair reasoner;
a close reasoner; a logical reasoner. ...Reasoner (1 Occurrence). ...
/r/reasoner.htm - 6k

Reasoned (20 Occurrences)

/r/reasoned.htm - 12k

Reasoneth (2 Occurrences)

/r/reasoneth.htm - 6k

Crude (1 Occurrence)
... 5. (superl.) Having, or displaying, superficial and undigested knowledge;
without culture or profundity; as, a crude reasoner. 6 ...
/c/crude.htm - 7k

Answerer (1 Occurrence)
... Answerer (1 Occurrence). Job 32:12 And unto you I attend, And lo, there is no
reasoner for Job, 'Or' answerer of his sayings among you. (YLT). ...
/a/answerer.htm - 6k

Sayings (134 Occurrences)
... YLT RSV). Job 32:12 And unto you I attend, And lo, there is no reasoner
for Job, 'Or' answerer of his sayings among you. (YLT). Job ...
/s/sayings.htm - 41k

Temple (614 Occurrences)

/t/temple.htm - 101k

Resources
Reasoner: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Reasoner (1 Occurrence)

Job 32:12
And unto you I attend, And lo, there is no reasoner for Job, 'Or' answerer of his sayings among you.
(YLT)

Subtopics

Reasoner

Related Terms

Reasoning (37 Occurrences)

Reasoner (1 Occurrence)

Regard (230 Occurrences)

Reasoned Faith
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