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Does Theology Need Philosophy?

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  • #1

    Does Theology Need Philosophy?

    Richard Howe wrote an article defending the idea that theology needs philosophy. Here is the link: http://richardghowe.com/index_htm_fi...idISCA2016.pdf

    Here is the thesis of the paper:

    One example Howe gives for theology needing philosophy has to do with "adjudicating literal descriptions of God from figures of speech." According to Howe, The Dake Annotated Reference Bible has study notes that say that God has a literal body with literal body parts. This body and these body parts are not physical; they are spiritual. Howe argues that we need philosophy in order to discern what should be understood literally and what should be understood figuratively.

    Here is an article by Paul Gould that discusses the same topic: http://www.paul-gould.com/2016/04/20...-a-case-study/

    Here are some quotes from Gould's article:

    What do you think about all of this?
    Last edited by Hornet; 05-07-2019, 11:31 AM.
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  • #2
    Originally posted by Hornet View Post
    Richard Howe wrote an article defending the idea that theology needs philosophy. Here is the link: http://richardghowe.com/index_htm_fi...idISCA2016.pdf

    Here is the thesis of the paper:



    One example Howe gives for theology needing philosophy has to do with "adjudicating literal descriptions of God from figures of speech." According to Howe, The Dake Annotated Reference Bible has study notes that say that God has a literal body with literal body parts. This body and these body parts are not physical; they are spiritual. Howe argues that we need philosophy in order to discern what should be understood literally and what should be understood figuratively.

    Here is an article by Paul Gould that discusses the same topic: http://www.paul-gould.com/2016/04/20...-a-case-study/

    What do you think about this?
    Not only is philosophy needed for theology, I would go so far as to claim that by the mere act of engaging in theological study and reflection you're automatically engaged in philosophical reflection as well.

    Comment

    • #3
      Colossians 2

      6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

      7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

      8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
      9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,

      1 Timothy 6

      James 3

      15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
      1 Corinthians

      13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words
      Etc.


      Securely anchored to the Rock amid every storm of trial, testing or tribulation.

      Comment

      • #4
        Originally posted by mossrose View Post
        Colossians 2




        1 Timothy 6



        James 3



        1 Corinthians



        Etc.
        Using these as passages against theologically/biblically informed philosophy hinges on the supposition that what Paul meant by "philosophy", "knowledge" "earthly wisdom" and so on is the same as the modern notion of philosophy, something which I am not at all convinced about. I don't see anything in these passages that would make engaging in biblically and theologically informed philosophical reasoning problematic.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by Chrawnus View Post
          Using these as passages against theologically/biblically informed philosophy hinges on the supposition that what Paul meant by "philosophy", "knowledge" "earthly wisdom" and so on is the same as the modern notion of philosophy, something which I am not at all convinced about. I don't see anything in these passages that would make engaging in biblically and theologically informed philosophical reasoning problematic.
          What is the definition of biblical and theologically informed philosophical reasoning?


          Securely anchored to the Rock amid every storm of trial, testing or tribulation.

          Comment

          • #6
            Originally posted by mossrose View Post
            What is the definition of biblical and theologically informed philosophical reasoning?
            Philosophy that presupposes the truth of and works from biblically informed starting presuppositions/axioms, would be a good working definition, I think.

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by Chrawnus View Post
              Philosophy that presupposes the truth of and works from biblically informed starting presuppositions/axioms, would be a good working definition, I think.

              Maybe. And what do you do when someone starts adding their own worldly wisdom to the discussion.

              If you are strictly talking with others of like mind, then yes, I suppose it's fine. But trying to discuss in this manner with unbelievers can only lead to exactly what scripture teaches against.

              Anyway, I just wanted to throw those scriptures in. I am not up for discussing philosophy of any kind, even with my favourite blue-haired Finn.



              Securely anchored to the Rock amid every storm of trial, testing or tribulation.

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              • #8
                Originally posted by mossrose View Post
                Maybe. And what do you do when someone starts adding their own worldly wisdom to the discussion.

                If you are strictly talking with others of like mind, then yes, I suppose it's fine. But trying to discuss in this manner with unbelievers can only lead to exactly what scripture teaches against.

                Anyway, I just wanted to throw those scriptures in. I am not up for discussing philosophy of any kind, even with my favourite blue-haired Finn.

                Comment

                • #9
                  Originally posted by mossrose View Post
                  Anyway, I just wanted to throw those scriptures in. I am not up for discussing philosophy of any kind, even with my favourite blue-haired Finn.

                  Don't those people over there use whole bunches of consonants, particularly the Kven component? Shouldn't "Finn" be "Fink"?


                  The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Cow Poke View Post
                    Don't those people over there use whole bunches of consonants, particularly the Kven component? Shouldn't "Finn" be "Fink"?


                    Oh, you big meany.


                    Securely anchored to the Rock amid every storm of trial, testing or tribulation.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Originally posted by mossrose View Post
                      What is the definition of biblical and theologically informed philosophical reasoning?
                      Doing the following while accepting what the Bible teaches and rejecting what contradicts the Bible:
                      1. Evaluating arguments.
                      2. Finding out if one's assumptions are true.
                      3. Discerning whether there are good reasons for believing in certain viewpoints concerning ethics, aesthetics, the nature of reality, and how we know what we know.

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                      • #12
                        drcraigvideos, a (I believe) WLC fan-channel uploaded a short clip where he talks about precisely this question:

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          I'm pretty sure the Bible warns against vain philosophy ... could be wrong.
                          1Cor 15:34 Come to your senses as you ought and stop sinning; for I say to your shame, there are some who know not God.
                          .
                          ⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛
                          Scripture before Tradition:
                          but that won't prevent others from
                          taking it upon themselves to deprive you
                          of the right to call yourself Christian.
                          ⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛⊛

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                          • #14
                            Philosophy is simply the love and study of wisdom. The Scriptures speak about wisdom and philosophy. The question is what is the foundation? Scripture makes a distinction between vain man made philosophy (Colossians 2:8; Jams 3:15), and a wisdom that has God as its foundation (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10; 15:33).

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                            • #15
                              Mr Holding made a video about this.

                              Honestly, reading philosophy has helped my faith. A good question is still a good question regardless of who asked it.
                              sigpic

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