What Makes A Source Credible? Pt. 1

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Main Question for today...

What makes a source credible?

This question goes beyond only biblical sources as these principles we will learn today can apply to any and all sources we read.

Today is about finding reliable sources for answers we have about serious, genuine, difficult, theological, doctrinal, or controversial questions about the Bible and our faith. This lesson will pair with the next lesson on How to identify a good or poor source.

 

Consider this...

What makes a source credible and why?

 

Author's Training

Why is it important that we understand the training that an author went through before we even start reading their text?

What are some things that we should understand about the author regarding their training or experience?

Consider a persons field of expertise, Do they have experience in that field of study? What did their schooling look like? Is their text specifically within the field that they have expertise? 

 

A Caution Against Elitism

Schooling, a degree, and even the "pedigree" one has does not mean that no one else can contribute to theological or spiritual questions or discussions. Remember that Jesus chose fishermen, merchants, tax collectors, and even persecutors of the faith to build His Kingdom. So this is not to say that you must be super educated in order to speak with biblical authority.

 

However, do consider where we get our information from. We put the most trust in people who have the knowledge, the experience, a credible reputation, and the proper motives.

 

Author's Reputation

Why is it important that we understand the reputation of an author before we even start reading their text?

What are some things that we should understand about the author regarding their reputation?

 

Consider an author's previous publications: is it within their field of expertise?

Does the author use credible resources themselves? Check the author's bibliography to make sure.

Does the author cite a lot of their own works? 

 

Author's Motives

Why is it important that we understand the motives of an author before we even start reading their text?

What are some things that we should understand about the author regarding their motives?

 

Consider if an author villainizes or stupefies opposing views they disagree with.

Does the author fully inform the reader of opposing views or do they ignore and dismiss?

Does the author make false equivalencies to scare you or distract you from the issue?

 

Take a look at the images on the back of your handout

 

Consider this...

What will you do differently after learning some of these principles?

How will you be more intentional about finding resources that are credible?

How can you use this in your own personal study of God's word?