In the seventh chapter the focus is on the great degree of bias that exists over the use of metaphysics within the realm of the sciences and philosophy. It’s not hard to anticipate why this is the case in our modern Darwinian dominated secular educational institutions as anything that doesn’t align with everything being matter in motion is going to be fought against.
I’m going to highlight a number of points that the book outlines that gives a good amount of emphasis on why this is and how Christians ought to deal with it. Items in italics are direct quotes from the book.
Hostility Towards Metaphysics
Though metaphysics is a central component in any worldview, as you look around you will discover that much of the modern world discounts the value of metaphysics and resists metaphysical inquiry.
The modern scientific mind has developed a hostility to metaphysics.
The bias favoring epistemology over metaphysics is strongly influenced by our modern fascination with science.
Opponents of metaphysics (and thereby of the theology of the Bible) view metaphysical reasoning as conflicting with empirical science as the one and only way to acquire knowledge. -Always Ready -Bahnsen
Metaphysics and Epistemology
Metaphysics is assigned a subordinate role to epistemology.
This bias favoring epistemology over metaphysics is strongly influenced by our modern enamorment with science. This has created something of a “Science said it, I believe it, therefore it’s true.
Antagonism to metaphysical claims is quite simply the allegation that “pure reason” apart from sense experience cannot itself provide us with factual knowledge. Metaphysical statements speak of a supra-sensible reality which is not directly experienced or verified by natural science….Those antagonistic to metaphysics argue that all informative or factual statements about the objective world must be derived empirically (based on experience, observation, sensation), and therefore human knowledge cannot transcend particular, physical experience or the appearance of the senses…Because metaphysical claims could not be brought to the critical test of sense experience, they were concluded to be senseless. -Always Ready -Bahnsen
The Christian Response
Epistemological method is not neutral. Our presupposition of God as the absolute, self-conscious Being, who is the source of all finite being and knowledge, makes it imperative that we distinguish the Christian theistic method from all non-Christian methods. - An Introduction to Systematic Theology - Van Til
Metaphysics is necessary to epistemology. Here you should recall a recurring theme: Worldviews are systems of inter-locking presuppositions. As systems they include metaphysics and epistemology and ethics all bound up together in a mutually self-supporting system.
Anti-metaphysical arguments are uncritical. Whether those who oppose metaphysics like it or not, whether they think about it or not, things exist and are related somehow-and these are metaphysical realities.
Resources
Beyond Experience: Pragmatism and Nature's God
https://users.drew.edu/rcorring/downloads/RSC%20AJTP%20Beyond%20Experience.pdf
What Is Naturalism, that We Should Be Mindful of It?
http://www.leaderu.com/aip/docs/alston-naturalism.html
Are evolutionists the ones with closed minds?
https://answersingenesis.org/intelligent-design/are-evolutionists-the-ones-with-closed-minds/
How Can You Believe in Creation When There is no God?
https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/atheism/atheists/
Jones: The Futility of Non Christian Thought
If God created the universe, then who created God?
https://creation.com/if-god-created-the-universe-then-who-created-god
Anti-God Philosophies and Science
https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/atheism/anti-god-philosophies-and-science/
So, you’re doing a report on Creation vs Evolution …
https://creation.com/so-youre-doing-a-report-on-creation-vs-evolution
Evolution as Philosophy
https://answersingenesis.org/theory-of-evolution/in-schools/evolution-as-philosophy/