Critical thinking in the Information Age: A biblical perspective

With every notification that pings on our devices and every headline that screams for our attention, we are constantly pulled in multiple directions. This bombardment can lead to decision fatigue and can leave us feeling overwhelmed, making it harder to distinguish between what is essential and what is merely noise.

James Williams, Former Google Strategist, made a profound statement when he said: ‘When information becomes abundant, attention becomes a scarce resource’. In a world overflowing with data, the challenge shifts from obtaining information to discerning what is truly valuable and deserving of our attention.

Critical thinking from a biblical perspective invites us to navigate the vast sea of data with discernment and wisdom. In an era where information is abundant and readily accessible, it becomes increasingly important to filter truth from falsehood, much like the Bereans in Acts 17:11 who ‘examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true’.

Ephesians 4:14 warns against being ‘tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming’. This underscores the necessity of grounding our thinking in the unchanging truth of Scripture, allowing it to be the lens through which we view and interpret the world. Incorporating a biblical perspective into our critical thinking process enables us to approach information with humility, recognizing our own limitations and the infinite wisdom of God. But how do we do this, in an age where information is everywhere?

According to Dr Simon Mould, President of the Portland Bible College, the answer can be found in the book of Daniel. He says that as believers, we ought to analyse information in a manner that adds to it the value of understanding and wisdom. Subsequently, we discern what is important, distinguish the difference between truth and opinion, and contemplate how to communicate information and wisdom in a manner that offers tangible benefits to others.

Analysing information in a manner that adds value means that we display intellectual virtues, as Daniel and his friends did. These virtues are clearly found in scripture and can be summarised as follows:

·       Curiosity: A disposition to wonder and ask why

Daniel asked the captain of the king’s guard, “Why is this decree so urgent?” (Daniel 2:15)

·       Autonomy:  A capacity for active, self-directed thinking; an ability to think and reason for oneself

Daniel knew that reliance on the intellectual elite was not possible. (Daniel 2:27-28)

·       Courage: A readiness to persist in thinking or communicating in the face of fear

Daniel volunteered to discern the king's dream in the face of death. (Daniel 2:16)

·       Humility: A willingness to own one’s intellectual limitations and mistakes; to be unconcerned with the intellectual status of prestige

Daniel did not take credit for his insight. (Daniel 2:23)   

·       Open-mindedness: Ability to provide and receive a fair and honest consideration of different views; a willingness to change opinion if and when necessary

Daniel had skill in understanding the literature of the Babylonians. (Daniel 17)

In addition to intellectual virtue, we discern what is important, distinguish the difference between truth and opinion, and contemplate how to communicate information and wisdom in a manner that offers tangible benefits to others.

Discerning means that we understand the authority or intent of information and ask questions like: What level of authority and credibility does the author of the content have? To what extent do the author’s views align with the authority of biblical principles? Do I feel emotionally manipulated by the author? Is this information inciting an emotional response such as anger, resentment, or fear, more than a rational response toward empathy, understanding, or the application of principled wisdom? What appears to be the motivation of the author in providing this content?             

Distinguishing means to understand the accuracy of information and calls for answers to the following types of questions: Where is your information sourced: social media or a reputable institution? What evidence is presented that supports the opinions given? Does the evidence sound plausible, exaggerated, or realistic? What evidence or narratives seem to be ignored or discounted?                                                                                                                                                                   

Finally, contemplating how to communicate the information means we  recognize the application of information and leaves us with these questions: To what extent can you agree or disagree with the ideas or information and why? Does this content foster discussion with those who may disagree, or is it inflammatory and polarizing? How does this content help me understand others who are different from me and engage with them respectfully, even if I still disagree?

Critical thinking encourages us to ask questions, seek understanding, and engage thoughtfully with diverse viewpoints, all while holding fast to the core truths of our faith. As we strive to be informed and discerning individuals, let us remember James 1:5: ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you’. In doing so, we can confidently navigate the complexities of the information age with integrity and faithfulness. After all, in the vast expanse of the digital universe, our attention is the most precious asset we possess. How we choose to spend it can shape what we believe and who we become.

Zarina Prasadh is a Director of the Africa School of Governance