[Greek] λογισμός (logismos), [Latin] logica: reasoning, thought, speculation, imagination, conscience, reckoning, thought, consideration, deliberation; Rom.2:15, 2Cor.10:5
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means counting, calculation, account, reckoning, argument, and reasoning power. Counting and calculating are quite often utilized and valued in various contexts. These circumstances include ordering one’s affairs, acquiring experiences, calculating enemies’ movements, understanding viewpoints, analyzing circumstances, and determining guilt.
Calculation and reckoning: Plato’s Protagoras 318e mentions teaching arithmetic and sciences necessary for the ability to order one’s affairs. Aeschines’ Against Cetesiphon 3.59 mentions listening to the argument for one’s incredible statements. Xenophon’s Memorabilia 4.7.8 recommends the study of arithmetic to ascertain what is useful. Lysias’ Orations 2.23 states our ancestors, without calculating the hazards of war, had no fear of their adversaries. Xenophon’s Memorabilia 4.3.11 mentions that the gods endowed men with the senses and faculties to reason about the objects of our perception.
Old Testament: This term, meaning thought, reason, plan, purpose, plot and design, occurs quite frequently in the Old Testament. Reason becomes an important theme in the Old Testament. This term, presented in both a positive and negative sense, illustrates the motivations (reasoning) of both God and man. In the Wisdom books, a significant Hellenistic influential (strain) regarding personal reason (self-reason) occurs. This self- reason sometimes works in opposition to God. This theme later continues leading to false reasoning in the New Testament.
For reason is the guide of the virtues, but over the emotions it is sovereign (4Macc.1:30). Now reason is the mind that with sound logic prefers the life of wisdom (4Macc.1:15). The lord foils the plan of nations, frustrates the designs of nations (Psa.32:10). For I know well the plans I (God) have in mind for you. (Jer.36:11). For the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the mind’s thoughts (1Chr.28:9). For perverse counsels separate a man from God (Wis.1:3). I could prove to you all the more that reason is able to control desires (4Macc.2:6).
New Testament: This term, meaning reasoning and false reasoning, occurs only twice. Paul was addressing the Gentiles. God did not call the Gentiles to be accountable to the Old Testament standards of conduct. Rather, although not subject under the Law, the Gentiles were still able to instinctively know the difference between right and wrong. In the book of Romans, Paul stated that the God’s law was written in the Gentiles’ hearts. In the 1st book of Corinthians, Paul states that there is open conflict against false knowledge (pretentious “rational” reasoning) hostile against God. This self-reasoning, partly attributed to Hellenistic philosophy, shuts itself off from God. Paul states we must battle not according to the flesh. The weapons include truthful speech, the power of God, and weapons of righteousness.
Scripture:
“They show that the demands of the law are written in their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or defend them.” Rom.2:15
The Gentiles are not subject to the Law. However, God has given the Gentiles the capability to know right from wrong. God has given them the moral law.
“For the weapons of our battle are not of flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses. We destroy arguments.” 2Cor.10:4
Some uses self-knowledge (false knowledge) in opposition to God. This elevation of self-reason shuts them off from God. Spiritual weapons must be used to respond to this.
Conclusion:
Logic, logical, logistics
It was very encouraging to see that math, reasoning, and calculating were highly held cultural values in ancient Greece. This was a time when math was cool. One can probably say that the cool kids hung out with Plato. Hellenism makes a large contribution in developing this self-reasoning.
Even in the simpler Old Testament culture, reason becomes an important virtue. Again, this is partly due to the influence of Hellenism. However, this self-reason sometime acts in opposition to God. This idea later continues in the New Testament, resulting in false reasoning.
Moms and Dads: let your kids know that math has always been cool. Tell them Plato said so.
We obviously have to acknowledge and recognize that self-reason still remains important and beneficial. But one has to wonder how much of this human self-reason has contributed to the secularism, agnosticism, and atheism in today’s culture. What do you think?
Update: Unfortunately, in recent months this human “self-reason” finds itself in legislation recently passed in New York, Virginia, and Rhode Island whereby rights seem to predominate over person-hood and medical science.