I've heard that shallow philosophy will lead you away from God and deep philosophy will lead you closer to God. What do you think?
2006-09-02 08:19:16 · 18 answers · asked by Brooke M 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In general, people fear what they do not know. They are suspicious of Philosophy because they know little about the subject. I've read that they think it is a dangerous combination of astrology, psychology, and theology. Some think that philosophers are among the intellectual elite and they avoid this subject because it is alleged to be difficult. But, in reality, a fear of philosophy is unfounded. Christians have a duty and responsibility to study this science. As a Christian it both challenges and contributes to my understanding Christianity. If you think about it "philosophically," all truth is God's truth and philosophy is the quest for truth. Therefore, it will contribute to your understanding of God and His world.
2006-09-02 08:40:44 · answer #1 · answered by Phyllobates 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Human reason has never, does not now and will never answer eternal questions. Deep or shallow, philosophy is mainly a matter of speculation.
Coupled with the above; people are not really seeking God, but rather running away from God.
Philosophy serves for many as just another good excuse to hide. For all the years philosophy has been around; they haven't figured out truth or come up with a good criteria for it.
I took a close look at philosophy years ago and decided, that if I followed that route, I would be dead before I got any answers worth having.
I took an audit course last year and noted three major changes. (1) Philosophy is more isolated than ever before. (2) Philosophers at institutional levels have come together in a "crusade against cynicism." (3) The concept of revelation as an avenue for the discovery of truth has been taken off the table.
There is not time for details, but to me the audit proved my original assumption about looking elsewhere; or if you will everywhere.
I did not throw philosophy out, but did what the old philosophers did -- look at everything in so far as I was able. Christianity was not doing it for me. New Age, Eastern teachings and religions, science, music, art, history, experience, they all have a place.
To answer your question, it is all a big circle and you come back to the same place regardless of how much more you know.
The answers we seek are outside our heads but in our hearts. Philosophy, the love of wisdom, is not a bad thing; but has limited place as true wisdom is a gift from God.
Philosophy is studied in college. Most people left off talking to God when they walked away from childhood. The way to get closer to God is not to seek to answer big questions but "to become as little children."
God will answer your questions if you go back to where you left Him. It is the Word of God that brings you closer to Him and not the disciplines that men have set up, however great.
Would a little child study philosophy? What do you think?
2006-09-02 09:33:04 · answer #2 · answered by Tommy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The reason many are leary of Philosophy is this:
The Bible talks about the philosophy of man. The philosophy of man is by human reason and is done in the mind alone. In other words, they stop there and think that's the end-all. The carnal (not Spirit-filled) mind is enmity against God. Why? Because the things of the Spirit, which are truth, are spiritually discerned. It takes the Holy Spirit to enlighten us to the greater truth than what is merely seen and understood with our finite, sin-prone reasoning. This is why the gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing, or who have not been regenerated.
However, in the Bible God also invites His children to come and reason together with Him. Learning and reasoning with Him not only gives us quality time with Him for Him to show us His ways and to give greater revelation, but also it helps keep people from making religious decisions based on emotions or personal bias instead of by the Spirit.
I loved taking philosophy in college. Therein it included thoughts by Christian thinkers with the same recognition and respect as other philosophers. Many of the philosophers I thought were a little crazy, especially Spinoza, but that's to be expected I suppose. I would not hesitate to tell someone to take a philosophy class. It does not bother me.
As to whether deep philosophy vs. shallow philosophy is the issue, it really depends on whether the Spirit is giving revelation or not. It is good to question. That's how one gets answers. God likes to share insights with His children.
2006-09-02 08:38:17 · answer #3 · answered by debbie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree, deep philosophy will lead you closer to God, inside each of us is an awareness of a creative power, 95% of the world seems to think there is someone out there. If you really stop and think, the answer is there. But many are not content to stop and think honestly for themselves, like sheep they follow the strongest voice and bleet approvals.
2006-09-02 08:23:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do some atheists study religion? Why do some Catholics study Judaeism? The answer is KNOWLEDGE!! The search for knowledge is never a waste of time. If "shallow philosophy" will lead a person away from, that person's mind is shallow!
2006-09-02 08:30:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
When I was in High School, I took a philosophy course because I thought it would be interesting. I was also deeply educated about my own faith and what the Bible says. However, while the philosophies I learned that year were very interesting, they seemed to pose more questions than answers. It strengthened my faith in God because I knew what the Bible taught about life, why we are here, and the future. I know not all people benefited, though, because a classmate of mine who was not as grounded in her faith said she was changing classes because it made her question her faith too much. We were of different religions. If you have a strong foundation on the Bible, learning of different philosophies, as long as you are not looking to them to enlighten as far as learning the answers to life's questions, can help you to see the simplicity of the Bible. If you already have doubts, it may be a little unsettling to see some different, even dissenting viewpoints on the same things.
2006-09-02 08:27:38 · answer #6 · answered by da chet 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Philosophy died the day we have became random quirks of nature. Philosophy should speak to the great issues of life, reason, purpose, existence. It cannot, for if we are random quirks of nature, then, in the grand scheme of nature, philosophy can never justify a purpose or morality.
Study philosophy. It is meaningless. It has no body of knowledge. Proof: different philosophers say different things.
2006-09-02 08:42:02 · answer #7 · answered by Cogito Sum 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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2016-10-01 05:31:21 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Philosophy is a free thinking or discussion of theories, and facts and the recognition that there are several or more answers to a question, debate or learning session. Christians only believe one idea or answer and That is the one they interpret from the bible.
Philosophy think on the theory that every thing is open to discussion and debate and free thought. Christians only recognize their theory and claim it to be the only truth.Many great ideas from philosophers have developed into science facts, and inventions. Philosophers have works of art, free expressions and literature credited to them for centuries which grace the schools of every free nation.
2006-09-02 08:30:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
There have been a lot of heresies that were reawakened in the name of Philosophy. That is why I am reticent to get involved. Also it is quite boring to me.
Having a personal relationship with Jesus through the Power of His Holy Spirit is the best way to get closer to God.
2006-09-02 08:31:20 · answer #10 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋