What standards of verification do theologians use to evaluate competing theological propositions?

Question

Wooderson: Well, some standards for verification would be: Controlled test, statistical inference, mathematical proof, explanations with minimal suspension of existing theorems, etc.

Answer 1

What is a "standard of verification"?

Can you provide examples of standards of verification?

Well, I'm unclear as to what the definition of "standard of verification" is, based on your examples.

However, theologians do not conduct controlled testing (a process, not a "standard"), use statistical inference (also not a "standard" but rather it is simply the use of statistics to make inferences concerning some unknown aspect of a population), or use mathematical proof (also not a "standard' but rather a demonstration that, assuming certain axioms and rules of inference, some statement is necessarily true).

These examples you listed are not "standards." But, if those are the only examples of "standards of verification" that exist, then I would say that theologians do not use any.

Answer 2

Love is the greatest and purest truth. It gives birth to freedom and peace. All endeavours initiated by a love of the people, society, nation or the creator can never be deterred for very long.

As for theories, they are simply theories, in the absence of proof or evidence, circumstantial or otherwise.

The Absolute Truth. That which open the door of the masses. Brings in that celestial light, whereby all confusing and complex issues are viewed with perfect clarity and simplicity.


Rabble rousing is easy. Arousing hatred by playing on the fears in the hearts of the populace, which are many in this uncertain and volatile world is relatively effortless.

Few are the peacemakers and those with an all compassing love for the world beggoten from understanding of the same.

We can all contribute to the creation of a majority of wise, noble free thinkers. each individual has that power. Powered by intelligence, humanity, but most of all a love of the world, and a deep passion to establish peace in the hearets and minds of every last individual.

Let us All Will It. And It Will Be. Amen.

Answer 3

One would assume that they use the Bible as an authoritative source with which to measure differing theological propositions.
But then, that assumes they are all Bible based faiths.

For the broad based spectrum of theologians, you can could on them to look at the societies in which they live, the faiths that are practiced, and the prevailing amount of philosophical tolerance towards the topic being discussed.

(I.E. to each his own.)

Answer 4

Conservatism.

The belief in question that most agrees with previously held beliefs is accepted as true.

Wooderson: Here are some examples of standards of verification:
Predictive accuracy
Explanatory power
Internal consistency

Answer 5

well, according to this one ancient story, when the BVM was to be betrothed, they couldn't figure out who to pick, so they took the staffs from all the eligible suitors. and placed them in the holy of holies. Next day, Joseph's had bloomed. (some stories say that a dove came flying out of it).

Don't laugh. I believe it.

Most stories have to have verification from heaven, dude.

Answer 6

"Might makes right." The religion with the greatest number of followers and/ or the most powerful followers can "verify" their theological propositions...with force if necessary.

Answer 7

In the olden days, the one true religion was the one with the most converts, enough to win in war with the other.

Answer 8

“Theology is never any help; it is searching in a dark cellar at midnight for a black cat that isn't there. Theologians can persuade themselves of anything.”-Robert A. Heinlein

The above quotation should be self-explanatory.

Answer 9

The person with the biggest, silliest hat decides.

Answer 10

Follow the money.
Suzanne