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Wyatt Graham

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Philosophy

Is Philosophy Bad?

January 19, 2021 by wagraham 4 Comments

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Christians sometimes look at philosophy with skepticism. Given some of the modern philosophies and recent history, that skepticism makes sense. The Apostle Paul after all does warn against falling prey to “philosophy and empty deceit” (Col 2:8). 

Traditionally, however, philosophy (often) aimed to describe the world. It overlapped with medicine, physics, and ethics. It was a more totalizing thing, something that described how someone lived their entire life. In Paul’s day, that would have been the general way philosophy was understood. And in Antioch where Paul lived, philosophers would preach in the open spaces to persuade people to certain ways of life.

So one does not have to reach too far to understand what Paul means in Colossians 2:8. He does not want Christians to dedicate themselves to a way of life according to the tradition of men (κατὰ τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν ἀνθρώπω) but rather to a way of life according to Christ (κατὰ Χριστόν). Paul did not here mean to dismiss mathematics, medicine, ethics, astronomy, and much more besides, which were all topics of ancient philosophy. He meant to warn people against a totalizing acceptance of philosophy (a way of living) that did not accord with Christ. [Read more…] about Is Philosophy Bad?

Filed Under: Life Tagged With: Philosophy

Episode 21: Samuel Loncar on Philosophy, Religion, and Science

October 23, 2020 by wagraham Leave a Comment

Samuel Loncar recently released a ten-part podcast called “Becoming Human.” I talk to him a bit about the podcast and some of the key themes, namely, the history and relationship of philosophy, religion, and science.

Over a decade ago, we shared a meal together! It was fun to be able to talk to Samuel again after many years. He is a great thinker, a kind human being, and I hope that we have an opportunity to talk again soon even if we’d argue over some key differences!

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor and the Youtube page. And bookmark this page to see every episode. 

[Read more…] about Episode 21: Samuel Loncar on Philosophy, Religion, and Science

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: History, Philosophy

Does Paul Forbid All Philosophy in Colossians 2?

July 30, 2019 by wagraham 1 Comment

Provides name of author and description of website as well as Twitter handle

When Paul warned the Colossians of philosophy (Col 2:8), did he forbid Christians from practising philosophy? That conclusion would complicate things for Christians since philosophy in Paul’s time included the right practice of running a city, judging legal cases, mathematics, as well as metaphysical questions like the essence of God. 

So what does Paul mean here exactly? To answer that question, we must consider four things.  [Read more…] about Does Paul Forbid All Philosophy in Colossians 2?

Filed Under: Theology Tagged With: Natural Theology, Philosophy

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Wyatt is the Executive Director of The Gospel Coalition Canada. He enjoys his family and writing. You'll generally find him hiding away somewhere with his nose in a book.

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