Prolegomena – Thinking Clearly Before Rebuilding Clearly

Before any meaningful reconstruction of a biblical worldview can take place, a foundation must be established. This opening lesson, titled Prolegomena, focuses on setting the ground rules for how we think, define key terms, and approach the process of rebuilding faith.

The word prolegomena comes from two Greek words meaning “before” and “to speak.” It refers to the “things spoken beforehand” — the basic assumptions, definitions, and standards required before deeper study begins. In theology and philosophy, it has long been used to establish structure and clarity before addressing complex questions about God, Scripture, and truth.

1. Why Thinking Matters

The Bible emphasizes intentional thinking. The Apostle Paul reminds believers that the mind plays a central role in shaping spiritual life.

In Philippians 4:8, he urges believers to think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. In Colossians 3:2, he instructs them to set their minds on heavenly things rather than earthly ones. In Romans 12:2, Scripture teaches that transformation begins with the renewal of the mind. Finally, 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us that the mind is a battlefield, where every thought is to be brought under the authority of Christ.

These verses reveal a critical truth:
You cannot live better than you think.
Thought patterns shape belief systems, and belief systems shape behavior.

If we want a strong biblical worldview, we must learn how to think biblically.

2. The Need for Prolegomena in Reconstructing Faith

Many people today are experiencing deconstruction — the process of questioning or dismantling beliefs they once held. Often, this happens because:

• Their faith was built on culture, tradition, or institutions instead of Scripture
• They experienced church hurt or hypocrisy
• Emotional or intellectual doubts went unresolved
• Relativism replaced objective truth
• They were never taught how to think critically about their faith

Prolegomena exists to correct that problem by helping us establish:

• What we mean when we use certain words
• Where our authority comes from
• How we define truth
• What standards of evidence will we apply
• How we will approach doubt and questions

Without this foundation, the rest of the course would be unstable.

3. Key Terms for Shared Understanding

This lesson establishes shared meaning in five critical areas that will be used throughout the rest of the course.

a. Deconstruction

Deconstruction is defined as the systematic dismantling or rejection of foundational beliefs. It is often identified by the phrase, “I don’t know what I believe anymore.” While honest questions are healthy, deconstruction becomes destructive when biblical authority is replaced by cultural opinions or emotional reasoning.

The goal of this course is not deconstruction — it is reconstruction: rebuilding a biblical worldview on a stronger, clearer foundation.

b. The Three Types of Doubt

According to Gary Habermas, there are three primary forms of doubt:

1. Factual Doubt – Based on evidence or logic (the easiest to address)
2. Emotional Doubt – Rooted in pain, disappointment, or confusion (requires care and truth)
3. Volitional Doubt – A willful resistance to belief (the most dangerous if unaddressed)

Understanding which type of doubt you are facing is essential for knowing how to move forward in healing and reconstruction.
Diagnosis comes before treatment.

c. The Importance of Reconstruction

A biblical worldview does not develop automatically — it must be built, refined, and revisited regularly. Reconstruction:

• Prevents abandonment of faith
• Strengthens spiritual resilience
• Helps interpret new information or pain correctly
• Provides stability in a chaotic culture
• Encourages spiritual and emotional health

Just like a home requires maintenance, so does a worldview.

d. The Role of Logic

Christianity is not a blind faith. It is a rational, thinking faith. Throughout history, theology and philosophy were taught together because logic protects truth.

This lesson highlights the three basic laws of logic:

• The Law of Non-Contradiction (something cannot be true and false at the same time)
• The Law of Identity (a thing is what it is)
• The Law of Excluded Middle (something is either true or false)

These laws help safeguard believers from relativism, confusion, and false reasoning.

e. Establishing Evidence Filters

To believe wisely, there must be reasonable standards of evidence. Christianity does not require blind acceptance, nor does it demand perfection beyond reach. Instead, it invites belief that is grounded “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

This standard allows believers to pursue truth honestly while remaining open to God’s revelation through Scripture, history, and reason.

4. Practical Steps Introduced in This Lesson

To begin the process of reconstruction, the first lesson presents several important habits:

1. Develop a daily thought-evaluation practice
2. Build Christian relationships where questions are safe
3. Review the laws of logic when researching hard topics
4. Re-establish Scripture as the final authority
5. Be honest about seasons of doubt
6. Cultivate curiosity instead of fear

These steps help move a person from confusion to clarity, from doubt to direction, and from instability to strength.

BOTTOM LINE

Reconstructing a biblical worldview does not begin with answers — it starts with clarity, humility, and a willingness to think differently. By defining terms, clarifying standards, and acknowledging personal presuppositions, a proper starting point is created.

You don’t have to have all the answers to begin this journey.
You only need a willingness to rebuild on truth.