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Answer
The term philosophy originates from the Greek word philosophia, which translates to “love of wisdom.” Philosophy involves using logical reasoning and critical thinking to examine how individuals perceive and understand the world around them—both the tangible world and the conceptual realm of ideas. Queries such as “what constitutes reality?” and “is absolute truth attainable?” and “what defines beauty?” are all philosophical inquiries. As followers of God and adherents of Jesus Christ, we should cherish wisdom (Proverbs 4:6;Proverbs 7:4), and therefore, there is no issue with a Christian engaging in philosophical studies. Exploring philosophy is commendable and appropriate as long as it promotes the pursuit of truth. The book of Ecclesiastes extensively explores philosophical themes, examining various worldly philosophies before asserting that a philosophy centered on revering and obeying God is optimal «Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. », (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
The Bible addresses all essential inquiries regarding God, eternity, and righteous living. Nevertheless, as an academic discipline, philosophy can offer illumination and advantages in navigating interactions with the world. Exploring how individuals across different eras have contemplated the nature of existence and their significance (or lack thereof) in the universe is captivating. It is equally intriguing to discover that numerous philosophers throughout history have stumbled upon biblical truths, sometimes unintentionally.
Familiarity with diverse human philosophies is a valuable asset in evangelism. It aids in understanding individuals’ perspectives and provides insight into the reasons behind their beliefs. Does this individual supSubscribe to Spinoza’s interpretation of pantheism? Has he been reading Hobbes? Does he lean towards rationalism, subjectivism, or existentialism? An evangelist with some knowledge of philosophy can more easily engage individuals who are interested in such matters and meet them where they are. Paul sets a great example of this as he was able to engage the philosophers on Mars Hill due to his familiarity with Greek writings «for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. », (Acts 17:28). He also referenced a Cretan philosopher to make a point in Titus 1:12.
Faith is often viewed as a “non-intellectual” pursuit, something comprehended with the spirit and the heart rather than the mind. Some individuals—even some Christians—go as far as to claim that faith is in opposition to reason, as if faith were inherently irrational or anti-intellectual. If it doesn’t seem logical, that’s acceptable. However, the Bible portrays faith in God and in the gospel as being rooted in reality. We believe in what is genuine; our faith is based on historical events documented by eyewitnesses to remarkable occurrences. Luke speaks of the “many convincing proofs” of Jesus’ resurrection «to whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: », (Acts 1:3). The ministry of Christ “was not done in a corner,” as Paul highlights to a skeptical king «For the king knows of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. », (Acts 26:26).
The notion that faith and reason are in opposition dates back toTo ancient times. The Greek culture, the birthplace of philosophy, could not comprehend the Christian message, which appeared irrational to them. As Paul stated, the preaching of the cross was foolishness to the Greeks «but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; », (1 Corinthians 1:23)—an indication of the limitations of human philosophy. Man-made philosophy, although a valid field of study in its own right, can never reach the truth of the gospel independently. Paul cautioned against giving heed to “opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge” «O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: », (1 Timothy 6:20) or “so-called knowledge” (NLT). Much of secular philosophy falls into that category. We require God’s revelation to perceive the truth. “By faith we understand” «Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. », (Hebrews 11:3).
Without God’s revelation in the Bible, man in his natural state cannot grasp the things of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:14-16). Wisdom does not originate from the natural mind because man’s mind and his reason are fallen; that is, they are influenced by sin. Wisdom is a gift from God «If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. », (James 1:5). To truly think rationally, a person must be introduced to the ulUltimate source of wisdom, which is God Himself. We need “the mind of Christ” «For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.», (1 Corinthians 2:16). Through faith, we rely on God’s direction and not simply our own wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Christians can and should study philosophy if led in that direction, but, as in all things in life, the study must be carried out in submission to God. Philosophy can be used to build beautiful and enlightening arguments based on what is revealed by God to be true, or it can be used to deconstruct and confuse a fallen mind that trusts itself rather than its Creator. We praise the Lord for Christian philosophers through the centuries who have exerted a positive influence in the world of philosophy and have pointed people to the truth: Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, Kierkegaard, and others. We are also indebted to more modern thinkers such as C. S. Lewis, Alvin Plantinga, Norman Geisler, Francis Schaeffer, and William Lane Craig, who have continued to prove that Christian theology more than holds its own in the study of philosophy.
