The Issues  The question of knowing focuses on how we know.  This question is the most abstract of the seven.  It is difficult to grasp yet it is as fundamental as origin and identity.  While this question is difficult, we will also consider some of the most concrete evidences for Christianity in this section.  There are at least two sources of knowledge which are generally accepted.  Information originating from the mind is called rational knowledge.  Information originating from the senses is called empirical knowledge.  Knowledge from the mind and senses each have their advantages and deficiencies.  Sensed information is useful since it is from the real world.  But it is not certain because there are always exceptions and more data.  Information from the mind is treated as certain.  But its usefulness is often questioned since it does not come from the real world.  Used together, the two sources can be used to substantiate the other.  They are not, however, totally conclusive.  In the case where both are in error, they cannot verify the other source.  The problem of knowing intensifies when we examine the assumptions of knowing.  These two knowledge sources are upheld by the reality of matter and ideas.  This unstable basis of knowing impacts all other areas of knowledge (more detail).  The God Who Reveals  In Christianity there are three sources of knowledge.  Along with rational and empirical knowledge, there is revelation.  From the beginning God has revealed the reality of matter, senses and ideas.  Belief in the God Who reveals underlies our rational and empirical assumptions.  God oversees the expansion and boundaries of knowing.   Knowledge expands as God gives and preserves and humanity pursues it.  Knowledge also has boundaries in God's world.  God may choose to conceal and abolish knowledge and humanity's finite and fallen abilities limit our pursuit.  The Biblical perspective balances reality with limitations.  It distinguishes true from false and the real from imaginary (more detail).  Evidences for Christianity  In Christianity, the reality of matter and ideas is based on two more basic the assumptions.  Christianity stands upon the assumptions of God's existence and His revelation.  There are both subjective and objective evidences supporting these assumptions.  This work focuses on those objective evidences which are both philosophical and historical.  Let's consider first those historical evidences for God's existence.  The God of Christianity is distinct from the gods of deism, world religions and other Bible based religions in that He has come to His world.  The coming of Jesus, God the Son, is the most profound event in human history.  Many ancients who foresaw the coming Messiah recognized His deity along with those who lived with Jesus.  Jesus associates with God the Father in ways that make Him inseparable and His profound lasting insights into life attest to His deity.  Jesus shares work with the Father and has similar names.  Biblical prophecy and Jesus' resurrection give compelling evidence for these claims.  There are four possible conclusions regarding who Jesus claimed to be and only one is consistent with His impact on history.  Jesus lasting influence in history began with those closest to Him.  There are three possibilities regarding the resulting actions of the disciples.   Consider now the assumption of God's Revelation.  Evidences for the authenticity of the Bible begin with its unified message and historical reporting of the facts which make it the most popular book of all time.  The Bible's internal consistency and external evidences support God's original inspiration.  Those who compiled the books from various authors had the attitude of "if in doubt, throw it out."  The Bible's unparalleled manuscript reliability is evidence of God's work of preserving revelation.  One can see that countless evidences substantiate God's existence and the Bible's authenticity (more detail).  Conclusion  The God Who reveals offers a firm basis for knowing supported by evidence.  The Biblical perspective balances reality with limitations.  We can sort and prioritize what we know within a spectrum of conviction which encompasses truth, reason, preference and chance (more detail).  Along with this foundation, God gives us imperatives to know His world (more detail).