Comments on: Sleeves Rolled Up

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:02:00 +0000

I don't know if we can point exactly wut is Einstein's “merely”. But all I know is that whatever placing we wanna put for knowledge and praxis, my whole point, which I see in yours as well Anon, is praxis is inevitable for any knowledge we have.
And on the other hand, the way you speak betray a lot about your sort of work, I am sure you are not in engineering or business because there is no point getting the data without wanting to utilize it for some purpose.
Again, I want to speak beyond rhetorics – which is why the simple Theology on its own is meaningless – my point is not to criticize the search for knowledge but given all our experience, esp. in the field of theology, i think mere pursue of theological data does not yield benefit to anyone, not the church, not humanity. Which is why some would say theology must lead to doxology; well that's utility.
Steven Sim

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:07:00 +0000

Even the discovery of e=mc2 is not directed to praxis. Einstein did not think “i wanna find out what constitute “e” so that I can do this or that”. He merely does his research and find out.
After the knowledge is discovered, then only we think of what should we do with it.
Thus, knowing does not need directed to praxis. In fact it's the other way around. Usually it's we who will need to think of what to do with our available knowledge. Whether to utilize or exploit nature, it is our response to the data. Yet the discovery of the data has no concern whether how are we doing to respond to it.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:30:00 +0000

the greatness of knowing e=mc2 is the opportunities (and of course, risks) it offers.
Knowing without any direction towards praxis is, to my opinion, meaningless. I think that's what sc is, attempt to understand nature so that we can find ways to utilize or manage it.
Jack

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:58:00 +0000

“Theological studies on its own is meaningless” ? I think I know what you mean.
There is a sharp distinction between “theological studies” in general and “practical theology” in particular.
The former is one that is a career/subject deserved to be studied by itself, just like someone who studies Shakespeare or making movies. Whether or not these subjects can be applied in real life situation is up to further adoption of one's own initiative.
Nonetheless, knowledge must not necessary lead to relevant praxis, though usually those practical knowledge are deemed more valuable. Just like knowing e=mc2 is less valuable compared to the knowledge of changing a light bulb in daily living.
One who think changing light bulb is important is absolutely right, yet that does not mean “since e=mc2 is practically irrelevant to him, therefore it's meaningless”.
JW