Why Study Philosophy? (Cont)
Craig and Moreland provides several reasons a Christian should study philosophy in Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview:
1. To aid in the task of apologetics: I Pet 3:15 tells his readers to “… always (be) prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Apologetics involves defending the Christian faith by use of reason and rational argumentation. Jude also admonishes his readers “to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” The apostles often used philosophical reasoning to challenge others to accept Christ (See especially Acts 17).
2. To aid in the task of polemics: Polemics differs from apologetics in that it involves the criticism and refutation of non-Christian worldviews. For example, the modern view of man is that he is a purely physical entity, a complex machine constiting only of physical things. The Scripture teaches that we are more than matter. The study of philosophy aids one in his attempt to “… destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God. (2 Cor 10:5).
3. To worship and love God with our minds: Matthew 22:37 - “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Philosophy is an expression of the image of God in us. God is a rational being who has made us like him in this respect. Philosophical reflection about the important issues in life honors God.
4. To assist us in our theology: Philosophy has been called the handmaid to theology and helps us clarify many concepts in systematic theology.
5. To aid us in proper understanding of issues not explicitly addressed in Scripture. Many modern ethical issues (especially in bioethics) are not explicitly addressed in the Bible. Does that mean they are morally neutral? Of course not. Philosophy helps us to conceptualize and analyze particular cases and apply to them appropriate biblical teaching.
6. To facilitate the spiritual discipline of study. The very act of studying can bring about change in us. Specifically, Craig and Moreland claim:
The discipline of study also aids in the development of certain virtues and values; for example, a desire for truth, honesty with data, openness to criticism, self-reflection and an ability to get along nondefensively with those who differ with one.
Although study is not unique to the field of philosophy, the philosophical approach and subject matter are central to all other areas of study.
7. To enhance the boldness and self-confidence of the Christian community in general.
8. To help one develop an integrated Christian worldview. To integrate is to blend or form into a whole. Most Christians have a compartmentalized life. They think like a Christian in church, and like a non-Christian in the world. The study of philosophy will assist one in developing a cohesive and consistent view of the world.
Finally, I leave you with the words of C. S. Lewis from The Weight of Glory:
… to be ignorant and simple now - not to be able to meet the enemies on their own ground - would be to throw down our weapons, and to betray our uneducated brethren who have, under God, no defence but us against the intellectual attacks of the heathen. Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered.