English – Chinese
What is that? One dictionary defines it as “judgment based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices.” Obvious emotions and prejudices aside, are we not all influenced one way or another to see things as we do?
Is God “objective” or does He see things His way only? Can unregenerate mankind be nonpartisan? Is it capable of true justice? Will a Catholic or Mormon judge, district attorney, or crown prosecutor, for example, be impartial when charges are brought against a religious group, whose doctrine, lifestyle, and belief are not in harmony with theirs? How can it be? Unless a judge is plainly, publicly constrained by the letter of the law to pronounce sentence, knowing there are consequences not acceptable to him if he should be inconsistent with the law, chances are he will find as he sees fit.
History is brimming with decisions, judicial, political, economic, social, or otherwise, especially in the name of religion, which are anything but “objective,” whatever that means. These decisions are made by all classes and levels, right up to the highest authorities in the land.
Does objectivity preclude having my own perspective? Must I be the common politician who does not his own will, but the will of the people who elect him? Why should I be willing to see things everybody’s way at once? How can I? Of course, objectivity in itself does not mean that I see things everybody’s way, but that I am willing to let a judgment be in favor of those with whom I do not necessarily agree on other matters or even the matter in question, as long as they are right or their cause is just, assuming there is a “right way” of seeing things.
Objectivity is a pipe dream that can only be otherwise if defined in the context of truth, which is of certain definition and standard, and not something “objective.” God’s mind and law take precedence over man’s. Without the knowledge of God, man is a brute beast, pleasing his passions, however refined, educated, and objective they may seem to be.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7 HNV).
– Victor Hafichuk (October 7, 2007)