So Christianity even has an answer for philosophy?

Question

Colossians 2:8
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.

So now they can even point to a phrase in the Bible to invalidate every word of philosophy that doesn't suit them? Unbelievable! What do you think about the vast reserve of Bible quotes for every possible argument against Christianity?

Inspired by this verse quoted in response to this question:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=A0WTcZu5C_tF87IA4wXsy6IX?qid=20070316141152AABYq63&show=7#profile-info-1db127fef6fa9c5ba618b377fa3f2655aa

And I think we need to consider the (lack of) quality of these "answers".

Answer 1

and if they cant find a quote, 'god works in mysterious ways', or its his 'plan', it's annoying, its like asking a serious question and they answer with ' because i said so!"

Answer 2

Philosophy isn't a bad thing.... Some philosophers are simply more enlightened that others. Descartes is a relatively interesting guy, and others such as Nietzsche have a unique was of thinking outside of the box. It's interesting that different philosophers all tend to focus or at least cover the question of how to live the good life. Some like Pluto say that it is to deign ones self and participate in a reality of the unseen. Some say that the good life comes after our journey here on earth and others like Nietzsche say that this life is all we have. So anyways I believe there is a way to enjoy and agree with different classes of philosophy while maintaining ones own beliefs. For indeed a lot of religion is in a way philosophy, and each religion answers the good life question in a different way.

God Bless!

Answer 3

I am not a Christian. I have found that it is not productive to argue with anyone about their religious beliefs because many just point to "faith" as to what separates their beliefs from any other.

The quote you referenced implies that anything not based on Christ is "hollow and deceptive philosophy." So, since I'm not Christian, it is apparent that what I believe is "hollow and deceptive philosophy" to Christians. All I get from this is an "I'm right and you're wrong because my religious source says so" argument. So, what's the point in arguing if that's your belief????

Answer 4

I recently started reading "Existentialism and Human Emotions" by Jean-Paul Sartre. I thought it interesting, and as such, shared some of what I read with my dad, who is a pastor. It began a debate about religion that, being as Christianity couldn't actually answer my questions, ended with, "It's a faith thing." Basically, philosophy is Christianity's worst nightmare because it tends to give credit- and as a result of that credit, blame- to human beings, rather than blame everything on supernatural beings like God and Satan. Philosophy lets us attempt to find our place in this world without checking that place against a majority ruling. Philosophy, especially existentialism, puts the ball in our court. It says that each of us is responsible for our own lives, our own goals, the outcome of our choices. Christianity and philosophy butt heads because philosophy is man's way of understanding why there is good and bad. Why we sometimes feel the urge to hurt one another. Why sometimes, people hurt us. Religion is man's way of- at the same time- feeling in control, and yet not responsible. We are in control, because we can live a certain way and be rewarded. And we are not in control, because it is someone else's fault. Someone we can't see or hear. Religion is the ultimate way to keep from having to make decisions. Philosophy is the ultimate way of understanding how to make decisions, and why we make them.

Answer 5

I'm a little surprised at the divisive nature of this question, Phoenix. I thought the job of the mayor's wife was to ensure people got along and saw past their differences.

What do you think about the vast reserve of Bible quotes for every possible argument against Christianity?

Like what reserve, please share?

Answer 6

Your own use of that scripture is extreme.
Take that scripture with reason.... Just because you say words that sound neat and pretty doesn't make them right and valid. I think its saying to be careful from being caught up in the deceptive words of men, not discrediting any philosophy. The scriptures are pretty straight forward in their meaning, but allow interpretation because not every issue will be black and white. Lets hope that people don't share the point of view you have made so extreme.

Answer 7

It fits nicely into the concept of "meme with defensive mechanisms".

Many systems preserve themseves by trying to denigrate or exclude alternate viewpoints.

You can trace it through families, tribes, nations...
"Consider that the other point of view may be valid" doesn't appear to be a dominant trait but, on a crowded planet, it may come to have increasing survival value.

Answer 8

Those who lean unto there own understanding of scripture are leading others astray and blinded by their "pride!" But this has to occur for the Kingdom of God is coming to this earth and establish His way as the only way.

Pride is man's downfall. The End of the circle of man's self rule will be the beginning of Christ's Kingdom but that "pride" must be broken first!

Answer 9

Insidious, isn't it? A fear-based religion maskerading as a love-based religion... where all non-believers burn forever in hell as the believers watch... no one, not even the primary deity, is truly responsible for their actions... and it is prophesied that they will be persecuted and that non-believers will scoff at them and not believe them.

Brilliant, genius, and insidious. Really I'm impressed when anyone brought up in the faith has the courage to challenge it.

Answer 10

lol Christianity has an answer for everything. Which is what gives it away as propaganda. What arrogance is needed to think we can figure out everything in a mere few thousand years as civilized humans.

Answer 11

Most people don't delve deep enough into philosophy is the problem, a little bit of it would lead you to not believe in God but if you delve deep enough and take it full circle it would lead you to believe in God.

Yes God gave a vast amount of quotes for all those who would argue against Christianity.