PHIL 201

STUDY GUIDE: LESSON 3

The Importance of Philosophy for Christians
Lesson Overview

In 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.

Tasks

Read 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).
 Identify the 3 elements in fulfilling the biblical mandate.
 Why do some Christians devalue the use of reason?
 What does Jesus affirm about the use of reason?
 How does Acts 17 demonstrate the value of reason?
 Know what I Pet. 3:15 states (you do not need to memorize it).
 What does II Tim. 2:15 have to say about constructing a Christian worldview?
 What are some elements of II Cor. 10:5 that inform us that Paul is referring to philosophy
here?
 What are we all called to do?
 List and explain the 5 functions of philosophy for the Christian.
 Explain how hermeneutics is a philosophical endeavor.
 How does philosophy help in systematic theology and developing theological concepts?
 List 2 ways in which philosophy helps in the task of apologetics?
 How does philosophy help in doing polemics?
 How is the philosophical mindset effective in doing evangelism?
 Explain the problems with the 2 extreme views of the role of the Bible in doing
philosophy.
 What are some reasons why Christians adopt an “erroneous view of the use of the
Bible?”
 Know the 6 guidelines for a critical use of Scripture in doing philosophy.
 Explain what is meant by critical and strategic use of scripture.

View and take notes on the presentation, “The Bible and Philosophy.”

Terms

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 PHIL 201

Make sure you fully understand the following terms and concepts:

 Reasonable Faith  Evangelism

 Ladder of Abstraction (footnote 13 on  Myth of Neutrality
p. 86)  Proof-Texting
 Hermeneutics  Supererogatory Act
 Theology  Critical
 Systematic Theology  Strategic
 Apologetics
 Polemics

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