Epic Debate On Epistemology & Revelation | Vishal Mangalwadi VS John West | Pugcast

An Epic Debate on Epistemology & Revelation | Vishal Mangalwadi VS John West | Pugcast

This debate explores the interplay between Christianity, general revelation, and the foundations of societal values such as freedom, equality, and human rights. Dr Vishal Mangalwadi argues that essential aspects of modern society—such as freedom of conscience, speech, religion, and the concept of limited government—originate from Christian theology.

The idea of original sin, for example, is seen as underpinning the need for limited government, while specific Biblical commands provide a moral framework that shapes societal norms. His argument is that without Christianity, these values gradually erode because they depend on what is described as “borrowed capital” from Christian thought.

A significant focus of the debate is the distinction between general revelation and special revelation. General revelation refers to the knowledge of God and morality accessible through nature and reason, while special revelation encompasses truths explicitly revealed in the Bible. Dr Vishal Mangalwadi argues that general revelation is insufficient to establish foundational values like equality, suggesting that these principles uniquely depend on divine revelation.

American theology is critiqued for overemphasizing general revelation, leading to the erosion of Christian influence. The Declaration of Independence's claim that "all men are created equal" is examined, with the suggestion that this idea is not self-evident through general revelation alone but relies on the authority of Biblical teachings.

The debate raises questions about whether natural moral law can sustain values like equality and justice without explicit guidance from Scripture.

The conversation also delves into cultural and scriptural ethics. While many cultures share basic moral principles, such as prohibitions against lying and stealing, certain moral commands—like the Biblical instruction for husbands to love their wives—are presented as unique to divine revelation. This view challenges the idea that general revelation or natural reason alone can account for such ethical standards.

The debate ultimately emphasizes the tension between relying on natural moral law and recognizing the authority of Christian theology in shaping societal values.





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