PHIL 201STUDY GUIDE: LESSON 3The Importance of Philosophy for ChristiansLesson OverviewIn our last lesson for this module/week, we examined why developing the philosophical mindset is important for people in general. In this lesson, we want to ask that question specifically for Christians. What value does philosophy have for Christians? We will begin by examining the biblical basis for developing a philosophical mindset. We will discuss the biblical mandate for philosophy and three elements in fulfilling that mandate. We will then survey a number of roles that philosophy functions for Christians. Finally, we will examine the role that the Bible plays in doing philosophy.TasksRead and take notes from Prelude to Philosophy, Chapter 3: “What Athens has to do with Jerusalem: The Importance of Philosophy for Christians.” As you read, make sure you understand the following points and questions:1. Know the historical and literary background to Col. 2:8. Blepete “beware” or “be on your guard” “to be carried off as booty” “kidnap” This means by which the believers can be kidnapped is through “hallow and deceptive philosophy”. Literal wording: “Philosophy and vain deceit” 2. Be able to explain Col. 2:8 (know what it says, but you do not need to memorize it). "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." 3. Identify the 3 elements in fulfilling the biblical mandate. 1. Appreciation of the role reasoning plays in evaluating philosophies2. Construction of a Christian system of philosophy3. Refutation of contrary philosophies (pg. 80)4. Why do some Christians devalue the use of reason? Think religion is about faith, not reason. Believe that we are to have the faith of a child and even portray ignorance and foolishness as virtues via I Cor. 1:18-20.Has caused people to view Christians as shallow, simple and unintellectual. (pg. 80-81)5. What does Jesus affirm about the use of reason? In Matt. 22:37 states the greatest commandment of loving the Lord with our heart, soul and our MIND or UNDERSTANDING. God requires us to understand him and the world he has made and not just love him with our heart only. (pg. 81) 6. How does Acts 17 demonstrate the value of reason? 2 times Paul reasons with the Jews concerning the Gospel message. The 2nd time the Bereans "received the Word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily TO SEE IF THESE THINGS WERE SO." (ACTS. 17:11) Luke called them "noble-minded" for not having a blind faith, but subjecting even Paul, the greatest of teachers, to critical scrutiny. (pg. 82)7. Know what I Pet. 3:15 states (you do not need to memorize it). Peter exhorts us to apply our reasoning skills. "Being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give anPage 1 of 4PHIL 201account of the hope that is in you". Be prepared to defend your faith involves a degree of philosophical mindset and be an effective disciple. (pg. 83)8. What does II Tim. 2:15 have to say about constructing a Christian worldview? "be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, ACCURATELY HANDLING THE WORD OF TRUTH." Paul contrasts in II Tim. 2:16 teaching that is worldly and empty chatter. (pgs. 84-85) This task will be hard work!9. What are some elements of II Cor. 10:5 that inform us that Paul is referring to philosophyhere? "We demolish ARGUMENTS and every PRETENSION that sets itself up against the KNOWLEDGE of God, and we take captive every THOUGHT to make it obedient toChrist."Thoughts & ideas permeate Pauls' defense here. Paul exhorts readers to beware of those philosophies contrary to Christ. We need to refute those contrary philosophies and demolish them. (pg. 88)10. What are we all called to do? Think critically. Must construct a Christian worldview to refute those views that are contrary to Christ. Ensure we are not kidnapped by hollow anddeceptive philosophy, but able to construct, maintain and defend a philosophy based on Christ. (pg. 89)11. List and explain the 5 functions of philosophy for the Christian. 1. Plays a large role in the task of hermeneutics, or interpreting Scripture (pg. 89)2. Task of doing theology. (pg. 90)3. Apologetics (pg. 92)4. Polemics (pg. 92-93)5. Evangelism (pg. 93)(To explain study book - pgs. 89-93)12. Explain how hermeneutics is a philosophical endeavor. Interpretation involves applying principles or criteria to discover the original meaning of the text.(pg. 89) Principles of interpretation are derived philosophically. (pg. 90)Task of application - we must be careful that the manner in which we apply it is in accordance with those criteria. (pg. 90)13. How does philosophy help in systematic theology and developing theological concepts? Systematic theology - Philosophy provides the principles of systemizing that data into accessible categories where we can study and understand God and his creation.Developing theological concepts - Ex: doctrine of the Trinity - not stated in the Bible, butINFERRED through bringing together a number of passages. (pg. 91)14. List 2 ways in which philosophy helps in the task of apologetics? 1. Showing that a particular argument against Christianity is weak or does not follow.2. Christian apologists also offer positive arguments to support their beliefs. (pg. 92)Apologetics deals with external attacks against Christian beliefs15. How does philosophy help in doing polemics? Nonorthodox teachings that arise within the church can be defended through philosophy. Philosophy can support the historical teachings of the church. (pg. 92-93)16. How is the philosophical mindset effective in doing evangelism? Helps us to understand where others are coming from and to tailor our evangelistic message to meet their needs and questions. (pg. 93)Page 2 of 4PHIL 20117. Explain the problems with the 2 extreme views of the role of the Bible in doing philosophy. 1. Ignore the Bible while doing philosophy (pg. 94)2. The Bible is all we need and that all of our moral and metaphysical ideas must come from only that source is detrimental to Christians. (pg. 95)18. What are some reasons why Christians adopt an “erroneous view of the use of the Bible?” 1. False dichotomy between faith and reason that has permeated modern thinking and marginalized religious truth claims to little more than subjective feelings.2. Problematic theological