What is truth?
How is one to discern truth?
Can one really "love truth?"
When one looks at all that has been offered in way of
"higher thinking" and "enlightenment," it is easy to see
why this can be confusing. The thoughts
and ideas presented by these great thinkers of times past have little to do
with Christianity, and in fact may seem hostile to it. Modern philosophers seem to be hostile to Christianity
as well. So what is the value for the
modern believer?
Here is a brief examination: Point #1; the thoughts of
the great thinkers of the past. Many of
them came from the polytheism of their respective countries, namely the Greeks.
So, many of these early thinkers had no
concept of the monotheistic God of the Bible, let alone contact with the Hebrew
culture. Thus, the source of many of
these observations, religious in nature were not based on the God of the
Bible.
Many of the observations made transcend or cut across
religious lines, human nature has been commented on, critiqued, reviewed,
analyzed, understood and recorded. The
basics of human nature are not subject to religious control or prerogative. The difference becomes apparent when one
develops these even more. For example,
human nature would suggest one behavior, while Christian teaching would suggest
and encourage the adherent or follower to modify this behavior. The Greek would call this “enlightenment”
while the Christian calls this “growth” or “maturity.”
Point #2; many modern philosophers are hostile to
Christianity. Examining the phrase “a
priori” and “a posteriori” helps to understand this position. The first term “a priori” simply refers to
the beliefs one holds without any proof or justification. The ideas or ideals are personal and may be
challenged, but usually with emotional turmoil for the one with the belief.
“A posteriori” is/are the beliefs held with justification,
thought, research, justification. These
may be challenged with little to no emotional turmoil. Debate, discussion even deep arguing might be
possible. The values held by the person
in general, and here the philosopher specifically will shape the information presented. This may be in support or opposition to
Christian values.
The belief system of the individual will shape the positions
taken on many, most or all of life’s decisions, including religious and
personal values.
A very safe conclusion from this brief exposition is that
the observations made the earlier philosophers, and even the modern philosophers
do carry some value. All of the beliefs
of these individuals need not be accepted, but certain parts as stated above do
have value. Accept these after screening
them through the filters of scripture.
