About Reason Well

In this inaugural article I discuss what Reason Well is all about by explaining its mission statement.

Mission Statement

Reason Well exists to glorify God by publishing thoughtful content from a Christian perspective that invites deep and careful reflection about theology, philosophy, Christian evidences, and life’s biggest questions.

Glorifying God

The Apostle Paul instructed the Corinthian church (and, by extension, instructs Christians today) to “do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31 ESV). Although the context in which Paul writes these words concerns how Christian liberty ought to be exercised, the application of this principle extends into every area of the Christian’s life. As one who is convinced that Christianity is true and as a committed follower of Jesus, I aim for everything I do to be done, ultimately, to glorify God. Therefore, I consider glorifying God to be the primary goal of Reason Well. If detailed articles are written, an unwavering commitment to truth is maintained, and carefully crafted arguments are published, but God is not glorified, I will have failed in this goal.

Thoughtful Content from a Christian Perspective

Thoughtful Content. A commitment to publishing thoughtful content means that I aim for Reason Well’s content to be substantive. Empty rhetoric, oversimplification, and straw man arguments have no place in it. Topics will be intentionally selected, content carefully crafted, and arguments thoughtfully articulated.

Christian Perspective. I believe that Jesus of Nazareth really rose from the dead and provides the only way of being reconciled to God. I am, therefore, unapologetically a follower of Jesus—a Christian. This perspective, no doubt, will be evident in my writing. Although I have biases (like every human being does), I aim to be objective, fair, and charitable in my assessment of opposing views.

My Christian faith not only informs my views, but also how I interact with others who disagree with me. I recognize that many hold views that differ from mine and that many are just as convinced of their perspective as I am of mine. I believe in the novel idea that it is possible to think (and even make the case that) a person’s views are wrong and still love that person. If Jesus instructed his followers to love even their enemies and persecutors (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27), how much more so am I to love those with whom I disagree! Thus, with God’s help, I desire to express charity and humility in disagreement.

Inviting Deep and Careful Reflection

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37 ESV). In other words, we are to love God with our whole selves. God desires not for our minds to sit idle while we attend to the more important matters of the “heart” and “soul,” but for us to put our minds to use out of a love for Him. This is to be done, of course, not to the neglect of the “heart” and “soul,” but as one important aspect of a whole-self love for and worship of God. I confess that I do not perfectly love God with all of my mind, but I desire to continue developing this habit and to invite others to do the same.

Despite the call of Jesus to love God with all of our intellect, some view Christianity as inherently anti-intellectual. Some Christians have unfortunately contributed to the propagation of this myth. Indeed, streams of anti-intellectualism can be found within Christendom. Anti-intellectualism, however, is inconsistent with biblical and historical Christianity. I believe that Christians who value the life of the mind ought to speak up in the public square to demonstrate that the Christian worldview is an intellectually serious position. I do not see myself as some esteemed exemplar of intellectuality, but I hope that Reason Well can play a small part in this enterprise for the love and glory of God.

Inviting. The language of “invitation” is purposeful. I view my work not as having final, authoritative answers, but as providing a space in which people feel invited to be curious, think deeply, ask good questions, and craft good arguments. I wish to exhibit intellectual hospitality by welcoming opposing views and encouraging charitable dialog so that we can all think better.

Deep and Careful Reflection. When deciding on the name “Reason Well” I had two ideas in mind. First, I want to cultivate in myself and encourage others to cultivate the skill of reasoning well—good, careful thinking that goes deep, beyond the surface-level. Second, from time to time I wish to expose others to the deep “well” of reasons for the truth of the Christian faith.

Theology, Philosophy, Christian evidences, and Life’s Biggest Questions

The topics of theology, philosophy, Christian evidences, and big questions have always fascinated me. For as long as I can remember I have been intrigued, entertained, and captivated by deep questions. The topic list is intentionally broad to allow me the freedom to publish on a range of topics while being sufficiently narrow to focus on the fields that interest me the most. Over time I imagine that the scope of my writing will naturally narrow as I continue discovering what questions and topics I am the most interested in exploring and explaining.

Concluding Thoughts

Doubtless there will be times when I fall short of the lofty aspirations detailed in Reason Well’s mission statement. In those times I ask for grace, patience, and correction from you, reader. I trust that God will use the process of writing Reason Well articles for, at the very least, my continued learning and growth and I prayerfully hope that He graciously uses the content to do the same for others as well.