The impact of distinguishing between these two kinds of knowledge is profound. It shifts the Christian life from a pursuit of information to a pursuit of intimacy. It suggests that a theologian with multiple degrees who does not know God in their spirit has no advantage over a simple believer who has received Revelation Knowledge of grace.
Furthermore, it offers a solution to the anxiety of the modern age. We live in an era drowning in Sense Knowledge—data, statistics, news, and noise. We are overwhelmed by what we see and hear. Kenyon’s work acts as a sanctuary, reminding the believer that there is a hidden manna, a wisdom that comes from the throne of God, which offers peace that passes all understanding. two kinds of knowledge ew kenyon pdf better
Kenyon categorizes the first type as "Sense Knowledge." This is the domain of the scientist, the philosopher, and the academic. It is the knowledge derived from the five physical senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. It is the process of observation, experimentation, and reasoning. The impact of distinguishing between these two kinds
This knowledge is not dismissed as useless in Kenyon’s framework; rather, it is relegated to its proper sphere. Sense Knowledge is the tool humanity uses to navigate the physical world. It builds bridges, cures diseases, and writes constitutions. It relies heavily on "reason," the faculty of the mind that analyzes data. Furthermore, it offers a solution to the anxiety
However, Kenyon argues that Sense Knowledge hits a hard ceiling. It is strictly horizontal. It can observe the creation, but it cannot know the Creator. It can study the effects of the universe, but it cannot fathom the cause. When Sense Knowledge attempts to explain the things of God, it results in what Kenyon calls "Naturalism"—the belief that the material world is all that exists. The mind, no matter how brilliant, cannot reason its way into the presence of God because God is Spirit, and the mind is bound to the physical.
Some readers take Kenyon’s categories to an unhealthy extreme. They reject all sense knowledge as “demonic” or “carnal.” This leads to anti-medicine, anti-education, and anti-science positions.
Better approach: Treat sense knowledge as your map and revelation knowledge as your compass. The map (science, reason) helps you navigate the physical world. The compass (revelation) keeps you aligned with God’s will. You need both.