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Chapter 36—Danger in Speculative Knowledge
One of the greatest evils that attends the quest for knowledge, the
investigations of science, is the disposition to exalt human reason
above its true value and proper sphere. Many attempt to judge
the Creator and His works by their own imperfect knowledge of
science. They endeavor to determine the nature and attributes and
prerogatives of God, indulging in speculative theories concerning
the Infinite One. Those who engage in this line of study are treading
on forbidden ground. Their research will yield no valuable results
and can be pursued only at the peril of the soul.
Our first parents were led into sin through indulging a desire for
knowledge that God had withheld from them. In seeking to gain this
knowledge, they lost all that was worth possessing. If Adam and
Eve had never touched the forbidden tree, God would have imparted
to them knowledge—knowledge upon which rested no curse of sin,
knowledge that would have brought them everlasting joy. All that
they gained by listening to the tempter was an acquaintance with sin
and its results. By their disobedience, humanity was estranged from
God and the earth was separated from heaven.
The lesson is for us. The field into which Satan led our first
parents is the same to which he is alluring people today. He is
flooding the world with pleasing fables. By every device at his
command he tempts men and women to speculate in regard to God.
Thus he seeks to prevent them from obtaining that knowledge of
God which is salvation.
Today there are coming into educational institutions and into the
churches everywhere spiritualistic teachings that undermine faith in
God and in His Word. The theory that God is an essence pervading
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all nature is received by many who profess to believe the Scriptures,
but however beautifully clothed, this theory is a most dangerous
deception. It misrepresents God and is a dishonor to His greatness
and majesty. It tends not only to mislead but to debase those who
embrace it. Darkness is its element, sensuality its sphere. The result
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