Humility and Critical Realism

Critical realism is based on a humble approach to knowledge. It is the assumption that we cannot know all truth, but that we can know truth. It is humble by definition.

It’s clear that humility is important to God. There seems to be a relationship between humility and God hearing our prayers.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New International Version)
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

(See also 2 Kings 22:19, Ezra 8:21)

If we are searching for truth, and are humble in our approach of the Almighty One, then he promises to teach us.

Psalm 25:9 (New International Version)
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

We cannot see the astounding truth of the Scriptures if we are not humble. We need to get out of the way.

Jeremiah 44:10 (New International Version)
10 To this day they have not humbled themselves or shown reverence, nor have they followed my law and the decrees I set before you and your fathers.

Following God’s Word is an important part of learning God’s truth. By following his “laws and decrees,” we see His truth in action, being lived out in our lives. It is more than theoretical knowledge, but a holistic knowledge that takes the messiness of life into account.

How would Christian critical realists search for truth? They would first humbly pray and ask God to hear them. Then ask what He wants to reveal while living out the Scripture in their lives.