Philosophy and Christian Theology - 8519 Words

Many of the doctrines and concepts central to Christianity have important philosophical implications or presuppositions. In this article we will take a closer look at some of the central doctrines and concepts, and their philosophical relevance. Of course, many philosophically laden doctrines and concepts are relevant to Christianity, and we cannot discuss them all here. Rather, our focus will be on those concepts and doctrines that are distinctively Christian, and which have been the focus of a good deal of recent discussion in the philosophical literature. Thus, although theism is a central Christian concept, it is not distinctively Christian and so will not be covered here. Further, although views about the Eucharist, a central†¦show more content†¦First, philosophical reasoning might persuade some who do not accept the authority of purported divine revelation of the claims contained in religious texts. Thus, an atheist who is unwilling to accept the authority of religious texts might come to believe that God exists on the basis of purely philosophical arguments. Second, distinctively philosophical techniques might be brought to bear in helping the theologian clear up imprecise or ambiguous theological claims. Th us, theology might provide us with information sufficient to conclude that Jesus Christ was a single person with two natures, one human and one divine, but leave us in the dark about exactly how this relationship between divine and human natures is to be understood. The philosopher can provide some assistance here, since, among other things, he or she can help the theologian discern which models are, for example, logically inconsistent and thus not even candidates for understanding the relationship of divine and human natures in Christ. For most of the twentieth century, the vast majority of English language philosophy went on without much interaction with theology at all. While there are a number of complex reasons for this divorce, three are especially important. The first is that atheism was the predominant opinion among English language philosophers throughout much of that century. A second, quite related reason is that, philosophers in the twentieth centuryShow MoreRelatedThe Theology Of Philosophy And Christian Theology917 Words   |  4 Pages There are four theology sources of theology that is scripture, tradition, reason and religious experience. The scripture is expounded with the context of public worship and is the subject of meditation and devotion on the part of individual Christian (McGrath, 2011). Tradition is an active process of passing on the Christian faith, rather than as a static source of revelation, independent of Scripture (McGrath, 2011). Reason is assumed an especial importance at the time of the EnlightenmentRead MoreChristian Philosophy Of Christian Theology935 Words   |  4 Pagesessay will compare different approaches in Christian theology to philosophy to see which study was more influential in our individual development. Christian theology is the study of Christian beliefs. There are four sources for this study including scripture, tradition, reasoning and experience. Scriptures are sacred writings that document historical events pertaining to Christianity. The Bible is the central location for the scriptures. Christians consider the Bible their source of truth andRead MorePlatonic Philosophy Of Christian Theology1902 Words   |  8 PagesPlatonic Philosophy in Christian Theology Plato is undoubtedly one of the world’s most widely read and studied philosophers, as he laid the foundations of Western Philosophy and science—influencing the world generations beyond his time. His influences can be seen in a multitude of subjects—aesthetics, political philosophy, cosmology, epistemology, the philosophy of language, and even theology. Although Plato was Greek, and the Greeks are not inherently Christian, multiple aspects of his philosophy areRead MoreWhat Is Theology Essay1008 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is theology? What does it explain if anything? According to the encyclopedia, it is related to the Greek Religion. In Christianity, the systematic study of the nature of God and Gods relationship with humanity and with the world. Although other religions may be said to have theologies, this is a matter of controversy within, for instance, Judaism , which holds that God is unknowable. This article will therefore confine itself to Christian theolog y. The development of theology in ChristendomRead More what is theology Essay995 Words   |  4 Pages What is theology? What does it explain if anything? According to the encyclopedia, it is related to the Greek Religion. In Christianity, the systematic study of the nature of God and Gods relationship with humanity and with the world. Although other religions may be said to have theologies, this is a matter of controversy within, for instance, Judaism , which holds that God is unknowable. This article will therefore confine itself to Christian theology. The development of theology in ChristendomRead MoreThe Lifelong Goal Of Saint Thomas Aquinas1692 Words   |  7 Pagesof philosophy and theology, but at the same time show their symbiotic relationship with each other. Throughout his life Aquinas was known as a theologian but many of his works carry strong philosophical undertones as well. The beauty of theology is it can enlighten us through its leap of faith. Philosophy was req uired to precede theology. The truths laid down from philosophy are concrete and coherent. These philosophical truths are the shoes in which theology can walk. Without philosophy thereRead MoreDat Based On The Information Given From The Book1686 Words   |  7 PagesBibliographic data: Based on the information given from the book (because not much of his biography is given online), Ed L. Miller is a professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Stanley J. Grenz, on the other hand, is a Pioneer McDonald Professor at Carey Theological College, Vancouver, British Columbia. He is a former student of Miller’s. Stanley had his trainings in various parts of the world. He preached and gave lectures at churches, colleges, universitiesRead MoreEssay on The Influence of Christianity on Ancient and Modern Greece1657 Words   |  7 PagesInfluence of Christianity on Ancient and Modern Greece Problems with format ?From the earliest establishment of Christian churches in Macedonia, Achaia, Epirus, and Crete, to the expansion of the Orthodox Church, Greece has been a formidable landmark for development of Christianity throughout the world.? From its arrival to Greece with the first preaching of Paul, the Christian faith has undergone a unique assimilation into the cultural and philosophical traditions of the Greek people to createRead MoreAn Analysis of the Book, Christ and Empire Essay925 Words   |  4 PagesMost would not admit this but very often, Christians have in many ways - through crusade, capture and trade, used the name and influence of Jesus Christ to encourage and validate political, economic, even and especially military gain. The book Christ and Empire is representative of Jesus Christ, and empires throughout history with great effort with the fact of Jesus’ implication on human life. As every theologian or political figure interpret J esus’ power on humanityRead MoreThe Fields Of Philosophy And Theology1523 Words   |  7 PagesThe fields of philosophy and theology are often grounds of debate. While some hold these two to be relevant and dependent on each other, others find them to be completely independent of each other. In John D. Caputo’s work, Philosophy and Theology, he expresses his view of these fields as companions. Caputo states, â€Å"Think of philosophers and theologians as fellow sailors on [the] ocean,† depicting his view of the interdependence of these two fields (Caputo 69). Through his illustration we can find