Proof as Moral Obligation

What does it mean to prove something to someone? Flipping the question around: what does it mean to believe—to accept something as having been satisfactorily proven? In Proof as Moral Obligation, Douglas Wilson argues that the act of attempting to prove something is a moral exercise. When something is proven, it creates a moral obligation to accept it. And to act on that acceptance. Christians ought to confess together that God has given us a sure word in a slippery world. But we like it slippery. Where the prophets said, “Thus saith the Lord,” we would prefer to say, “It seems to me.” How would our preaching and witnessing change if we really believed what we believe and believed that our hearers were required to believe it too? — DOUGLAS WILSON is a pastor in Moscow, Idaho, a father of three, and a grandfather of many. He is the author of over a hundred books, including MERE CHRISTENDOM, RULES FOR REFORMERS, and WORDSMITHY. AUTHOR: Douglas Wilson PAGE COUNT: 100 SIZE: 5.5x8.5 BINDING: Paperback ISBN 10: 1-59128-481-3 ISBN-13: 978-1-59128-481-9 PUB. DATE: Aug 1, 2025

What does it mean to prove something to someone? Flipping the question around: what does it mean to believe—to accept something as having been satisfactorily proven? In Proof as Moral Obligation, Douglas Wilson argues that the act of attempting to prove something is a moral exercise. When something is proven, it creates a moral obligation to accept it. And to act on that acceptance. Christians ought to confess together that God has given us a sure word in a slippery world. But we like it slippery. Where the prophets said, “Thus saith the Lord,” we would prefer to say, “It seems to me.” How would our preaching and witnessing change if we really believed what we believe and believed that our hearers were required to believe it too? — DOUGLAS WILSON is a pastor in Moscow, Idaho, a father of three, and a grandfather of many. He is the author of over a hundred books, including MERE CHRISTENDOM, RULES FOR REFORMERS, and WORDSMITHY. AUTHOR: Douglas Wilson PAGE COUNT: 100 SIZE: 5.5x8.5 BINDING: Paperback ISBN 10: 1-59128-481-3 ISBN-13: 978-1-59128-481-9 PUB. DATE: Aug 1, 2025