Quote:
Originally Posted by ReformedDave
We are to discard the study and use of philosophy?
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Great question!
I think the unlearned could get caught on that one. But here's what I think about it.
Should we discard the study and use of philosophy? .....
I don’t think so. Check this out, Paul himself had at least some knowledge of both pagan philosophy and literature, and he made much use of reasoning in personal evangelism. In
Acts 17 we learn that while Paul was in Athens “he
reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there” (verse 17; NIV). On one occasion Paul spent time conversing and disputing with some of the Stoic and Epicurean philosophers (verse 18). Further, when it suited his purposes, Paul could quote freely (and quite accurately) from the writings of pagan poets. For example, in
Acts 17:28 he cites with approval both the Cretan poet Epimenides and the Cilician poet Aratus, using them to make a
valid theological point about the nature of God and man to the educated members of the Athenian Areopagus. Thus, I believe that we should at least be cautious before asserting that Paul was opposed to
all philosophy and human wisdom. He obviously wasn’t. I think philosophy can become dangerous when it becomes a guiding principle over Scripture. This was what was happening among some Gnostics and even some other mystery cults.
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