Why Philosophy Does Not Equal Atheism

Yesterday, I heard one of my professors speak at our History and Political Studies department chapel. He had selected Colossians 2:8-15 as his text, but he strangely interpreted it as a putdown to all philosophy.

Verse 8 does say "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ." Yet, not all philosophy falls into this category of which Christians must be wary.

I have not done exhaustive studies upon any philosopher or philosophy, but my reading and education have given me some knowledge about the writings of Plato and Aristotle. For example, Plato articulated the doctrine of "loving one's enemies" long before Christ's incarnation. Aristotle, though steeped in a culture of polytheism, reasoned his way to an all-powerful, purposing Deity. Should Christians reject these elements of philosophy?

Rather than condemn any philosophy, Christians should take a stance of critical acceptance. We ought not to swallow any idea put forward by seemingly influential people; nor should we assume that only the Bible contains truth.

Indeed, Christians are in the best position to reason correctly. We are united through baptism and faith with Christ, the Logos. With Jesus as our starting point, we can and should seek to understand the world at a deeper level. Viva Philosophia!