Rationalism and Heresy

Rationalism becomes heresy when it places human reason in judgment over God’s revelation. By demanding that Scripture first satisfy the standards of fallen reason, rationalism enthrones man as judge and reduces God to an object needing validation. This repeats the original sin of Genesis 3:5 man seeking to be his own god. Scripture teaches that the Fall corrupted not only man’s will but also his mind. Reason is not neutral, nor capable of rightly judging God apart from submission to His Word. When rationalism ignores the Fall, predestination, and the atonement, it distorts theology even when it uses orthodox language. True faith does not deny reason but restores it to its proper place: serving God’s revelation, not ruling over it. To reject this order is not orthodoxy with a flaw it is a fundamental departure from biblical Christianity.