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In my last post I commented on the typical reaction one receives on the subject of studying philosophy as a Christian. At best, one is usually urged to “be very careful” and at worst (and not all that rarely) one is treated as if he is dabbling in the occult, or as if she is well on the way to committing the unpardonable sin. Why is philosophy thus viewed by Christians? And is this view warranted?

In order to answer this question, one must first attempt to define philosophy. The etymology of the word suggests a definition. It is derived from two Greek words, philein, “to love”, and sophia, “wisdom”. So, to be a philosopher one should be a lover of wisdom. So far, so good for the Christian. Proverbs 16:16 proclaims:

How much better to get wisdom than gold!To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

J. P. Moreland and William Lane Craig (Two of the most highly regarded Christian philosophers [not an oxymoron] today), in their excellent book Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview offer the following definition:

Then, philosophy is the attempt to think hard about life, the world as a whole and the things that matter most in order to secure knowledge and wisdom about these matters. Accordingly, philosophy may be defined as the attempt to think rationally and critically about life’s most important questions in order to obtain knowledge and wisdom about them.

This again seems to represent a worthwhile and honorable goal to which a Christian might and should aspire. So, why the resistance to the studying philosophy? I think there are several misguided conceptions regarding such a pursuit. Before evaluating such misconceptions, it is important to realize that everyone does philosophy everyday. If you consider important questions like - 1) How can I know that God exists? 2) How can I know if an action is right or wrong ( or are there objective moral truths at all)? 3) What is my purpose in life (or is there a purpose to life)? 4) How can I trust my senses? - and on and on, you are doing philosophy. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Christians don’t do it very well. Studying philosophy enables one to think well about these issues.

Philosophy may be thought of as a toolbox within which one finds the tools for proper thinking. Now, I admit, it can be dangerous to think. But it is far more dangerous to think without the proper tools. It is important not to mistake the tools of thinking for the conclusions which some have erroneously reached using those tools. A contractor with all the best tools can still build a substandard edifice, but that does not mean we recommend that contractors avoid the tools! So what about Colossians 2:8, which I brought up in my last post?

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (NIV)

Many have interpreted this verse to mean that a Christian should avoid philosophy, but that is not Paul’s point at all. Paul is not critical of philosophy, only a certain kind of philosophy. One cannot avoid philosophy. Everytime she thinks about an issue she uses the tools of thought. In fact, if one does not study philosophy, how can one know the difference in “good” philosophy and “bad.” The kind of philosophy Paul warns the Colossians about is that kind which is based on the godless principles of the world. Christians have for too long vacated the realm of public thought and opinion, leaving it in the hands of godless philosophers who hope to shape society and even the church according to principles other than on Christ. To fulfill God’s command, Christians must learn to think correctly in order to examine the materialistic philosophical conclusions of the secular world. In so doing, the follower of Christ may reveal the error which dominates so much of current philosophical thought and be able to rationally defend the Christian faith.

I Pet 3:15 (NIV) Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

I will continue these thoughts, but I end today’s post with a quote from John Wesley addressing the clergy:

Ought not a Minister to have, First a good understanding, a clear apprehension, a sound judgment, and a capacity of reasoning with some closeness… Is not some acquaintenance with what has been termed the second part of logic, (metaphysics), if not so necessary as [logic itself], yet highly expedient? Should not a Minister be acquainted with at least the general grounds of natural philosophy?