What is Reformed epistemology apologetics?

What Is Reformed Epistemology Apologetics?

Reformed epistemology is a philosophical approach within Christian apologetics that examines how we know and justify belief in God. Rooted in the theological tradition of the Protestant Reformation, especially the ideas of John Calvin, this epistemology is primarily concerned with the nature of belief in God as “properly basic.” Prominent philosophers such as Alvin Plantinga, Nicholas Wolterstorff, and William Alston have been influential in the development of Reformed epistemology. While closely related to presuppositional apologetics, Reformed epistemology is distinct in its emphasis on the rationality and justification of belief in God without requiring evidence or argumentation as a prerequisite.

The Concept of “Properly Basic” Beliefs

At the heart of Reformed epistemology is the assertion that belief in God is properly basic. A properly basic belief is one that is rationally acceptable and does not require inferential proof or argumentation to be justified. Examples of properly basic beliefs include the assumption that the external world exists, that other minds exist, and that the past is real. These beliefs are foundational—they do not depend on other beliefs but serve as starting points for rational thought.

Reformed epistemologists argue that belief in God falls into this category. Plantinga asserts that belief in God can be as rational as belief in the existence of other minds or the reliability of one’s sensory perceptions. Just as one does not require empirical evidence to trust the existence of the external world, a person does not require arguments to justify belief in God.

This concept is tied to John Calvin’s idea of the sensus divinitatis, or the "sense of the divine," which he describes in Institutes of the Christian Religion:
"There is within the human mind, and indeed by natural instinct, an awareness of divinity. This we take to be beyond controversy" (Book I, Chapter 3, Section 1).
Calvin asserts that all people possess an innate awareness of God, which is a direct product of God’s creation. This intrinsic capacity to perceive God undergirds the claim that belief in God is properly basic.

Defending Properly Basic Beliefs

While Reformed epistemology holds that belief in God is properly basic, it also recognizes that such beliefs are not immune to scrutiny. For a belief to remain justified, it must withstand reasonable objections and align with a properly functioning cognitive faculty. This perspective incorporates a framework of warrant, which Plantinga defines as the quality that distinguishes knowledge from mere belief. A belief is warranted if it is produced by cognitive faculties functioning properly, within an environment they were designed for, and according to a purpose intended by God.

For example, a person who perceives the existence of God through nature—what the Bible refers to as general revelation—has a warranted belief. As Paul writes in Romans 1:19–20:
"Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse" (NKJV).
This passage supports the idea that knowledge of God is accessible and justified through natural revelation, confirming that belief in God does not depend on formal proofs.

Reformed Epistemology and Apologetics

Reformed epistemology challenges the evidentialist approach, which insists that beliefs must always be supported by evidence to be rational. Instead, it maintains that belief in God is rationally justified without requiring evidential arguments. This does not mean Reformed epistemology dismisses evidence or argumentation altogether; rather, it places primary emphasis on the innate, God-given capacity to know Him.

This approach is distinct from presuppositional apologetics, which also emphasizes the necessity of starting with belief in God. However, presuppositionalism asserts that all reasoning is inherently circular and that all worldviews must presuppose a starting point. Presuppositionalism takes a confrontational stance, arguing that non-theistic worldviews are internally inconsistent and incapable of providing a foundation for rational thought. By contrast, Reformed epistemology is more accommodating, recognizing that non-believers may have justified beliefs but maintains that theistic belief is foundational and warranted.

Biblical Support for Reformed Epistemology

Several passages in Scripture align with the principles of Reformed epistemology:

1. General Revelation and Innate Knowledge of God
   Psalm 19:1–2 states:
   “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge” (NKJV).
   This affirms that creation itself communicates the reality of God, allowing all people to perceive His existence.

2. The Role of the Holy Spirit
   John 16:13 teaches that the Holy Spirit leads believers into truth:
   “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (NKJV).
   The internal witness of the Spirit provides a direct, non-inferential knowledge of God’s reality and truth.

3. Faith as a Gift of God
   Ephesians 2:8 emphasizes the divine origin of faith:
   “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (NKJV).
   Faith, as a gift from God, underpins the rationality of belief in Him.

Strengths and Criticisms

Strengths:

1. Biblical Foundation
   Reformed epistemology aligns with Scripture’s teaching on the innate knowledge of God and the role of faith.

2. Philosophical Coherence
   It provides a robust framework for understanding belief in God as rational without requiring exhaustive evidence or proofs.

3. Practical Relevance
   By emphasizing the sensus divinitatis, it resonates with the lived experiences of believers who perceive God’s presence intuitively.

Criticisms:

1. Fideism Concerns
   Critics argue that Reformed epistemology veers close to fideism, the belief in faith without reason. However, its proponents clarify that properly basic beliefs must still be open to rational defense.

2. Subjectivity
   Skeptics question whether the sensus divinitatis is a reliable source of knowledge, as it depends on an individual’s perception of divine reality.

3. Pluralism
   Some argue that if belief in God is properly basic, similar claims could be made for other religious beliefs, leading to conflicting conclusions.

Conclusion

Reformed epistemology provides a compelling approach to understanding belief in God as rational, justified, and properly basic. By grounding its arguments in Scripture, philosophy, and human experience, it offers a robust framework for Christian apologetics. It challenges the notion that faith must always be supported by evidence, emphasizing instead the innate capacity to know God through the sensus divinitatis and the work of the Holy Spirit. While not without its criticisms, Reformed epistemology remains a valuable tool for defending the rationality of Christian belief in a way that honors both faith and reason.