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:- Know the historical and literary background to Col. 2:8.- 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 the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than onChrist.” Paul is warning the Corinthians to beware of being kidnapped by deceptive philosophy and cling to Christ.- 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 philosophy- 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. - What does Jesus affirm about the use of reason? God requires us to understand him and the world he has made and not just love Him with our heart only.- How does Acts 17 demonstrate the value of reason? 2 times Paul reasoned with the Jews concerning the Gospel message. The 2 nd time the Bereans “received the Word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Luke called them to be noble minded for not having a blind faith, but subjecting even Paul, the greatest of teachers, to critical scrutiny. - Know what I Pet. 3:15 states (you do not need to memorize it). “But in your hearts revere Christ as LORD. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to givethe reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”- What does II Tim. 2:15 have to say about constructing a Christian worldview? “ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”Page 1 of 4PHIL 201- 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 to Christ.” Paul exhorts the readers to beware of those philosophies contrary to Christ. - 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.- 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)- Explain how hermeneutics is a philosophical endeavor. Interpretation involves applying principles or criteria to discover the original meaning of the text. Principles of interpretation are derived philosophically. Task of application- we must be careful that themanner in which we apply it is in accordance withthose criteria. - 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: the doctrine of the Trinity- not stated in the Bible, but inferred through bringing together a number of passages.- List 2 ways in which philosophy helps in the task of apologetics?1. Showing that a particular argyment against Christianity is weak or does not follow. 2. Christian apologists also offer positive arguments to support their beliefs.- 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.- 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.- Explain the problems with the 2 extreme views of the role of the Bible in doing philosophy.1. Ignore the Bible while doing philosophy.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.- 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 view of human depravity that denies thepossiblility of jnowledge to nonbelievers.3. Sincere but mistaken view that the Bible alone addresses every issue and need.- Know the 6 guidelines for a critical use of Scripture in doing philosophy.Page 2 of 4PHIL 2011. Do not feel obligated to appeal to a biblical passage in doing philosophy or to support a philosophical argument.2. Avoid prooftexting3. Be prepared to explain how the passage applies to philosophical issue in accordance with its literary and historical context4. Recognize the differences between the biblical text and your interpretation of the biblical text, do not conflate the two.5. Recognize the possiblility of alternative reasonable interpretation of difficult passages6. Be aware of and take seriously the orthodox interpretations of