Reviving Reason: Lessons from Thomas Paine in a World of Absolutism

Posted by Matt Logan February 9, 2026

"To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead." - Thomas Paine

Hey friends, it's Matt Logan here, AGAIN! I’m diving into this powerhouse quote from Thomas Paine. You know me and if you’re new here – I'm all about good faith, solution-driven conversations that shine a light on truth, especially through that SHINY lens I created: Strong, Hope, Influential, Necessary, and You. Paine's words hit like a bolt of clarity in our chaotic world, don't they? Let's unpack this, blending some timeless wisdom with a fresh take on what's plaguing Western society right now. I'll keep it real, conversational, and maybe sneak in a quirky twist or two, because life's too short for dry lectures and yeah this will probably come across to some of you as a lecture.

The Futility of Arguing Without Reason

First off, picture this: You're trying to reason with someone who's flat-out ditched logic, evidence, and open dialogue. It's futile, right? We’ve seen this a lot recently. Like pouring life-saving meds down the throat of a corpse – no response, no change, just wasted effort. Paine, that revolutionary firebrand from the 1700s, nailed it during a time of upheaval, reminding us that some folks have checked out of the rational arena entirely. In his era, it was about fighting tyranny with enlightened thinking, but today? It echoes in our echo chambers, where arguments devolve into shouting matches and thumb wars with keyboard Captains without a shred of common ground.

Absolutism: The Real Culprit in Modern Society

But hold up – let's flip this to our current scene in Western society. I don't think we're dealing with a full-on renouncing of reason as much as a stubborn refusal to self-reflect. Call it "absolutism," where one side crowns themselves infallible, and the other is deemed utterly wrong, no questions asked. It's not that people have abandoned logic; they've barricaded it behind unshakeable certainty. Think about it: In politics, social media rants, or even family dinners, we see folks digging in their heels, refusing to examine their own biases or admit they might not have all the answers. It's like wearing blinders while claiming 20/20 vision. Reason isn't dead – it's alive and kicking, but twisted into a weapon against humility.

Why Self-Reflection Matters: A Biblical Perspective

Why does it matter? Because without self-reflection, we lose the hope that comes from growth. Scripture backs this up – Proverbs 27:19 says, "As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart." If we're not willing to look inward, we're missing God's call to examine ourselves (like in 2 Corinthians 13:5). In my ‘quirky’ SHINY Blueprint, we talk about that revelation phase: facing fears head-on, owning our flaws, and letting God's truth reshape us. Absolutism skips that step, turning debates into dead ends. It's why conversations on hot topics like immigration, wokeness, or even socialism feel like medicating the unresponsive – no breakthrough, just more division.

A Real-World Example: Chaos in the Headlines

Take a real-world example from recent headlines. We've got influencers flipping scripts overnight, anti-ICE activism ramping up in cities like Minneapolis with coordinated Signal groups tracking feds (all verified). It's nuts! But beneath the chaos, it's absolutism at play: One camp sees it as pure justice, infallible in their moral high ground, while the other labels it insurgency without a second thought. No self-reflection on how policies got us here or what shared values could bridge the gap. I've personally been the recipient of that hate – the kind where disagreement turns personal, no room for nuance. It's exhausting, but here's my quirky hope: Recognizing this absolutism is the first step to breaking it.

The Solution: Start with You

So, what's the solution? Start with you – that's the "You" in SHINY. Cultivate self-reflection daily. Pray over your views, align them with unchanging truth, not fleeting trends, fleeting political narratives and fleeting politicians. Engage in good-faith conversations, even when it's tough. Remember Jeremiah 29:11 – God has plans for hope and a future, but that requires us to stay open, not absolute – as we are fallible humans. Don't waste your energy arguing with the "dead" – instead, shine your light to inspire reflection in others.

Wrapping It Up: Choose Humility

In closing, Paine's quote isn't just a zinger; it's a wake-up call. In a society gripped by absolutism, let's choose humility over infallibility. Stay SHINY, friends – Strong in conviction, Hope filled in dialogue, Influential through example, Necessary in truth, and authentically You. Thanks for tuning in; let's chat about this in the comments. God bless!

If you enjoyed this post, check out my SHINY Blueprint for more tools on personal growth and good-faith dialogue. Share your thoughts below – what's one way you're practicing self-reflection today?

#YouAreSHINY #RevivingReason #FaithAndLogic