Hammer & Anvil Meetup: "How Do We Know What We Know?" Epistemology Conversation

Join us on August 14 for an informal evening of brotherhood, theological discussion, and a preview of the new Hammer & Anvil Fellows Program from The Think Institute.
Our topic for the night is Knowledge (Epistemology)—the study of how we know what we know.
Questions we'll explore include:

1. When Paul was with the Corinthian church, he “decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and
   him crucified” (Paul, 1 Cor. 2:2). What would you say is the most important thing a person can know?
2. “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to investigate a matter” (Solomon, Prov.
   25:2). Why would God leave some knowledge hidden rather than just telling us?
3. Paul the Apostle: “We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by
   the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people...it is evaluated spiritually” (1 Cor. 2:13-14). Would
   you consider yourself a spiritual person? Do you have spiritual knowledge?
4. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Prov. 1:7).
   Augustine said he had “faith seeking understanding.” Must faith come before knowledge?
5. “For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became
   worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened” (Ro. 1:21). Is Paul saying that true knowledge is
   impossible without God? How do you feel about that?
6. Agur ben Jakeh said, “I am more stupid than any other person, and I lack a human’s ability to understand”
   (Prov. 30:2-5). Does true knowledge start with admitting ignorance?
7. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false
   prophets have gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1). How do you test ideas?
8. Luke said he wrote his account of Christ’s life, “So that you may know the certainty of the things about which
   you have been instructed.” Is it possible to have certain knowledge about God? Would you say that you have
   any?

You don't need a philosophy degree—or even prior study of epistemology—to participate. Come ready to think, ask questions, contribute to the discussion, and meet other Christian men who want to grow in biblical worldview, apologetics, and leadership.

We'll also spend some time introducing the Hammer & Anvil Fellows Program, a six-month fellowship for Christian men focused on Biblical Worldview & Philosophy, Scripture-First Apologetics, and Manly Leadership. The in-person Fox Valley cohort begins September 10.

### Optional Reading Before We Meet

You do not need to read everything below. Pick one if you'd like to come prepared.
★ Unregenerate Knowledge of God — John Frame
A particularly helpful preparation for our discussion. Frame explains how unbelievers can genuinely know God through revelation while also suppressing that knowledge in unrighteousness.
https://frame-poythress.org/unregenerate-knowledge-of-god/
Definitive Guide: Christian Epistemology — The Think Institute
An introduction to empiricism, rationalism, subjectivism, general revelation, special revelation, and Scripture as the foundation for human knowledge.
https://thethink.institute/articles/the-biblical-worldview-part-3-what-is-true
A Primer on Perspectivalism — John Frame
A more advanced look at Frame's normative, situational, and existential perspectives and how they relate to knowing truth.
https://frame-poythress.org/a-primer-on-perspectivalism-revised-2008/
What Is Epistemology? — GotQuestions
A short, accessible introduction to the nature and justification of knowledge from a Christian perspective.
https://www.gotquestions.org/epistemology.html
Come meet the guys, sharpen your thinking, and see whether Hammer & Anvil might be the brotherhood you're looking for.
Brotherhood. Boldness. Biblical Soundness.
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BYO 🍺🥤🍟: Bring a drink or snack to share!
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This event is open to men only.
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The rules:

1. Engage respectfully.
2. Two before you—after you speak, let two other guys talk before you jump in again.

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If you want to get real accountability and learn in community with Christian brothers, try out the Hammer & Anvil Society. Learn more here.
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