Epistemology is the science or academic subject that deals with issues of truth or knowledge, just as biology is the science of life (episteme is the Greek word for knowledge).
Epistemology tries to ask questions and develop procedures to make sure that we have more reliable rather than less reliable knowledge. It asks whether it’s possible to talk about truth and whether we can discern between truth and falsehood or illusion. These are obviously hotly contested topics today.
CHRISTIAN VERSUS ATHEIST EXTREMES.
If, as a Christian, you say that belief in God is purely a matter of faith that can’t be challenged, then you have created a divide between faith and knowledge, and that itself is an epistemological position.
On the other hand, if you are a sceptic and you say only science is real and faith is infantile illusion, then you have overstated your case because that position is itself a belief, not a hard scientific fact.
SAYING MORE THAN YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO SAY.
Whenever you overreach and say more than you have the authority to say, whether speaking from the theistic or atheistic camp, you will inevitably topple off your epistemological high horse: “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Rom 12:3). If we dwell deeply in the Scriptures (1Pet 2:2; Col 3:16), keep in step with the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:25; 1Cor 2:10; 1Jo 2:27), keep humble (James 3:13-17; 1Co 2:1-5), keep hungry (1Cor14:1; Pro1:20-24), keep testing all things (1Th 521; Act 17:11), keep growing (2Th 3:13; Eph 4:13-14), etc. we will be okay, right to the end (2 Pet 1:10-11; 1 Jo 2:28).
THE REAL ISSUE IS NOT INTELLECTUAL.
Finally, epistemology and truth is not ultimately about intellectual difficulties (the majority of the so-called “intellectual objections” are smoke screens and red herrings). Epistemology is ultimately about the heart and wanting to know the truth.
As Jesus said, “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own” (John 7:17).
Choosing to do God’s will is a matter of courage, humility and love. In other words, it is fear, pride, rebellion and self-centredness, rather than any genuine or insurmountable scientific or intellectual problems, that ultimately (over the long-term) keep us from faith in and a relationship with God.
