Philosophy........?

Question

I am going to become a professor of philosophy. However, when I told my preacher this he said that there was nothing more evil. I was bewildered. What do you think?

Thanks for everyones answers! I of course wasn't going to let him convince me to not do something that I want to do, I was just amazed someone was that closed minded. Thanks again for your opinions!

Answer 1

I knew an ordained minister who also had his PhD in Philosophy. I think a Christian in the Philosphy dept. woudl be a great thing. (wouln't hurt in the religous studies dept, etiehr)

I think your preacher probably doesn't fully understand philosophy... love him thru it.

Answer 2

Danni,

Maybe I don't understand what Philosophy is, but I thought that Philosophy was to search and inquire. What is the reason your pastor doesn't agree with Philosophy? I would ask him to show you why he disagrees with it.

It sounds like he has a very narrow viewpoint. Either that or he knows something you don't.

I'd just encourage you to remember something very important here. As a Christian you will find some pastors and other Christians can be uninformed about some issues. Others can be narrow minded. But most Christians are pretty intelligent and more open minded than your pastor. Please don't let him influence your relationship with Christ.

Before you make a decision on your chosen career, think about why you want to become a Professor of Philosophy. Is it because you enjoy learning? If so, and you do decide that philosophy is evil, then consider other alternatives. There is nothing to say you could not become a professor of something else.

I think he is concerned that exploring other religions could cause you to stumble in your spiritual walk. Please be careful about this and continue to develop your relationship with God.

Remember that God will not give up on you, even if you give up on Him.

Answer 3

Not to worry, since philosophy, compared to Scripture, has generally failed either to ask the right questions or obtain any answers since it was old enough to be called a study.

Philosophy has, however, made quite a few advances over the thinking of religious leaders who for 2,000 years have consistently misinterpreted Scripture.

God is not threatened by philosophy or science or the theory of evolution or the religions of men. Certainly there is vane philosophy; but there is also vane religion and more vane religion than vane philosophy. (Probably because there are fewer philosophers and more preachers).

If that is how you want to make your living, know that all work is honorable. The man that does not work is not entitled to eat. That is Scriptural. Maybe the preacher is feeling a little guilty about his income compared to his contribution?

While there are many head problems in religion, be aware that the mental condition of many philosophers needs to be factored into the understanding of the work they produce.

Answer 4

Let's start with the fact that you have a preacher and not a priest. Preachers tend to be horrifically undereducated. priests, on the other hand, are incredibly educated. I'm an atheist with a degree in philosophy myself, and I have a Huge love of the Jesuits. They have 13 years of training, and they must first learn secular philosophy, science, and history before they even begin religious training. Therefore their knowledge of their own religion and religious philosophy is enviable. I've always said that if I were male I would have tried to get into seminary just for the incredible philosophical training they receive. Anyway, don't take your preacher too seriously; religious scholars the world over have received intensive philosophical teaching that has helped increase their own faith and better the understanding of their religion.

Answer 5

I don't understand how you can consider yourself intelligent enough to become a professor of philosophy, yet you still go for advice from a man that views things as evil, evil is a childish and ignorant concept.

Also, religion shouldn't be a set of rules set down for the masses to fallow, that is what government is for, religion should be your own ideals and PHILOSOPHY on how you should you live your life and what happens to you after that life is lived, preachers are shepards, persons of guidance, not of force.

I think you should decide based on how you feel on the subject, not how your preacher interprets your religion for you.

Answer 6

Some people have tendency to see a conflict between religion and philosophy, and that is mainly because that the proof of gods existence can not be verified by the "logic" of philosophy that was in use at the moment... Year 1000

Some peoples opinion is that Søren Kirkegaard (1813-55) made it happen. But in modern philosophy god do not play a major role.

Answer 7

Real philosophy practically breeds new ideas on reilgions. But if it wasn't for philosophy there wouldn't be Judaism, Christianity, Islam or almost any of the other religions. Philosophy isn't evil or good, but I could understand why a preacher would think differenly.

Answer 8

I think that preacher did not want you to get into philosophy because he knew if you did and became a professor at it you would realize GOD is a fictional character used to manipulate people into doing things and I believe if you do become a professor in philosphy you will eventually have to realize this and when you become mature enough to acccept it you will see that the knowledge of it is more rewarding part of it

Answer 9

This may shock you but I don't believe that the discipline of philosophy actually exists anymore. It has been entirely eclipsed and overtaken by the discipline of science. There really is not anything left for the discipline of philosophy to do, except perhaps teach the history of the pre-scientific search for knowledge. Only the discipline of science produces real knowledge. The role of religion today is to provide answers that science cannot provide, but the answers that religion provides do not constitute real knowledge, but merely mythic beliefs and social agreements. Philosophy no longer has any role whatsoever. I hope you will really consider another profession and not throw you life away on a dead discipline. Best wishes.

Answer 10

Ask him if this has anything to do with Philosphy.
Suppose you are on a road and you cannot ever turn around and never return from whence you came. You come to a fork in that road and you must go forward and thus you must choose one of the roads. Suppose you see other people and you ask them which road you should take. Now suppose that you get different advice, but a "few" people tell you You are on the road of life. You must make choices every day of your life.
that they have "heard" from others that the left fork holds dangers and that there is a very high priced toll booth, but "nobody" knows anything about the right fork, and they are taking that one.
These are just rumors, right?
Who would you believe? Which road will you take?
Will you take the road that is rumored to be dangerous? Or the road, about which, no one knows or ever heard?

Answer 11

What church do you go to? Do you think your preacher could be a little more dramatic?! Nothing more evil?! So he would rather you be a serial killer? Your preacher is off his meds, dude.

Stick with the philosophy. Get a new preacher.