The document explores the origins of human thought and behavior, contrasting Greek and Hebrew perspectives on culture, morality, and education. It argues that much of contemporary thinking is influenced by societal beliefs rather than biblical truths, emphasizing the intrinsic value of individuals as created in God's image. The author concludes by advocating for a transformative change in mindset, encouraging readers to renew their thinking in accordance with scriptural teachings.

1. THINKINGWhy we think and act as we do –
what makes us tick?

2. Or ‘Presuppositions’
• Who are we?
• Why are we like we are?
• Why do we act like we act?
• Where does it all come from?
• What if it isn’t correct?
• When should we check what we think?
• Well, the Bible says it, doesn’t it?

3. So who are we?
• Very complicated question.
• Our culture persuades us to think in a certain way.
• Culture is, of course, subject to change.
• Some of the ways in which we think are far older than many
of us know.

4. Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

5. So where does our thinking
come from?
• I have said that it is much older than we often think
• Often I hear people say things that they think are Biblical but are
not
• Often we have assumed wisdom which we think is Biblical but is not
• Some of our understanding of Biblical things seems to have come
from Harry Potter or the Da Vinci Code or the latest film or
conspiracy theory book or even soap opera non-wisdom.
• Actually much of our thinking comes from our occupation history –
The Romans who brought with them Greek Culture which has
remained in our thinking!

6. So how do we think
- Greek or Hebrew?
Greek
Nature is a self-
generating force
operating according to
closed system of laws
independently of any
authority but itself.
Law of nature.
Hebrew
Creation is generated by
God who made it for HIS
purpose operating
according to laws designed
and sustained by Him
subject to His authority.
Law over nature.

7. Greek
Nature is God and
God is Nature. All
that is, is natural.
The Supernatural
does not exist.
Hebrew
Creation is God’s
Handiwork. God is not
to be confused with
what He has made. He
existed prior to and is
distinct from that which
He created. He is
supernatural, inhabiting
the supernatural as well
as the natural created
world.

8. Greek
Their gods are
personal but limited; nature
is unlimited yet impersonal.
Hebrew
The God of Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob is unlimited, yet
personal.
Man is classified
as an animal. The
difference: man is a
rational animal. (Aristotle)
Man is differentiated from
animals and unique from all
other living thing in that he is the
only creature made in the
likeness of God.

9. Greek
Man’s value is
determined by the
society into which
he is born.
Truth is measured
by man’s intellect
and reason.
Hebrew
Man has intrinsic value
because he is created in the
image and likeness of God.
He has a God-determined
worth, independent of
society’s opinion.
Truth is measured by God,
independently of man.

10. Greek
Religion is a personal
choice; a private matter.
There are many gods to
worship and creeds to
choose.
Hebrew
God and His Word (Jesus) are
not dependent upon human
acceptance or rejection. His
reality and man’s accountability
to this reality stand, regardless
of human consent.

11. Greek
Moral conduct is
relative to public
opinion and / or
individual conscience;
values are relative
to the social
environment
Hebrew
Moral conduct is relative
only to God’s word.
Public opinion and
individual conscience
have no power to alter
what God has declared
true or morally right

12. Greeks
Asked, “Why must I do it?”
Education is the imparting of
knowledge from one person to
another mouth to ear.
Manual labour is viewed as
vulgar and beneath one’s dignity
Old age is feared
Hebrews
Asked, “What must I do?”
Education is the imparting of life,
passing all you are one to another;
mentoring
Manual labour is respected so much
so that Rabbis are expected to be
proficient in a trade as well as the law
Old age is honoured

13. Greek
Religious expression
is centred around
rituals. Correct ritual
receives more
emphasis than
conduct. The gods
do not speak to such
issues as business,
law, relationships,
labour or family
Hebrew
Religious expression
is a commitment to a
way of life. God is as
relevant to what is
done during the rest
of the week as He is
to behaviour on the
Sabbath. He speaks
to all areas of life be it
business, law,
relationships, labour
or family.

14. Greek
To show yourself
the rightful lord and owner
of your own person in all
aspects of life is an
exalted right. (Pericles)
Hebrew
To show yourself the rightful
and obedient servant of
God, your maker and owner
is joyful blessing, a privilege
and an obligation
Human Freedom
is self-determined
Human freedom
is God-determined

15. Greek
Wisdom is found
from within.
Know yourself
(Socrates)
Learn to
comprehend
Hebrew
Wisdom is found
from without (i.e. in God);
foolishness is found within.
Know God
Learn in order to
revere (Abraham Heschel)

16. Greek
History is viewed
as a cycle. Aimless
repetition: the same basic
pattern of life
and death with no
particular end or
destination in sight.
Hebrew
History is viewed as going
somewhere; like an arrow to
its target. A straight line
concept of history with God
working His purposes in the
earth, culminating in the
messianic reign of the
redeemer.

17. Greek
The gods are created in
the image and likeness
of man
Man has no mandate
from any source above
man himself.
Hebrew
Man is created in the
image and likeness of
God
Man’s divine mandate is
to care for creation and
to rule responsibly over
the earth

18. • All action begins in the mind
• All thought does not equal action
• If the thinking is wrong, however,
the action is bound to be wrong
LOOK…

19. GODISNOWHERE
Well what do you see?

20. So how can we change
our thinking?
• First of all we have to examine it - our thinking, that is -
and not just live according to our presuppositions
• The whole tenor of change from scripture is about mind
change. God wants us to change our mind He says:
• Romans 12:2 Don't be conformed to this world (allow
the world to squeeze you into its mould), but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you
may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect
will of God.

21. And we need to continue
the process
Philippians 2:5 Have this in your mind, which was also
in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are
true, whatever things are honourable, whatever things
are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are
lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any
virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these
things.
Proverbs 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction
that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

22. • Put on the mind of Christ
• Think about what is good
• Be changed by the renewing of your mind
Change the world by
changing its thinking
Adrian Hawkes
14th
May 2009
For Rainbow Churches open mic