Philosophy

<<viewpoint, basic or guiding principles>>

This is the study of ideas about knowledge, truth, the meaning of life, morals and other issues, most often from a purely human perspective without any acknowledgement of God (Col 2:8). It substitutes submission to God with a humanistic ‘love of wisdom’ endeavouring to reason things out by self-realisation. New Age philosophy considers humanity, not Christ, as the answer to life’s problems, relying on man’s thoughts, ideas and analysis rather than accepting what God’s Word says.

It is being wise in one’s own eyes doing what seems right yet this will not lead to eternal life (Jdg 17: 6; Prov 14:12). This human wisdom will perish along will all who do not submit to God, for although they claim to be wise they make foolish choices (Rom 1:22,23; 1 Cor 1:19,20). The book of Ecclesiastes states repeatedly that life is futile without God in the equation, concluding the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commands (Eccl 12:13).

The Bible declares real wisdom begins with a righteous fear of God (Prov 9:10). Christianity, as a system of divinely revealed truth and wisdom, is itself the highest philosophy, far superior to anything man can attain to (1 Cor 2:6,7, 3:19,20). There are many things our finite human minds can’t comprehend and so we need to accept them in

Respect God and keep His commands – Ecclesiastes 12:13

faith. There are also secrets that belong to God and we should not try to unravel their mysteries (Deut 29:29). Rather than trying to go beyond the boundaries He has established, endeavour to live out what He has clearly revealed in His Word. Our faith in God and in the gospel are grounded in reality as portrayed in the Bible and historical evidence and the transformed lives of believers.

See also: debate, fear (holy), humanism, New Age, wisdom/wise.