Is it beneficial for Christians to study philosophy?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Philosophy literally means "love of wisdom" (philo = love, sophia = wisdom). Since the Bible is the ultimate book of wisdom, using philosophical reasoning can help in our study of it. Indeed, the Bible has three books called “wisdom literature”: Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes addresses the perennial philosophical question about the meaning of life. Besides philosophy being inherent in the Bible, some background in philosophical reasoning can lead to productive discussions about Christianity with those who hold differing worldviews. Paul used philosophical reasoning when he revealed the real God to the Epicureans and Stoics of Athens . His use of philosophy was purposeful, to lead his audience to the truth. But some use philosophy as an end in itself, not as a means to arriving at truth. Paul warned Timothy and believers at Colosse about such vain philosophical meandering. Scripture shows that philosophical reasoning can be used in the service of sharing the truth about Christ with others.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The entire book of Ecclesiastes focuses on the same philosophical concern raised by humankind throughout history: the meaning of life. Just as all believers have, Solomon (the presumed writer of the book) concluded, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Paul, as an educated Jew, engaged directly with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in Athens (Acts 17:18-32). Philosophical reasoning can be a part of sharing the gospel. But the Bible warns that philosophical arguments can become ends in themselves rather than being used to arrive at truth: “Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21).
• This warning comes up again in Paul’s second letter to Timothy. When presenting the sins of those living during the last days, one Paul mentions is “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth” as one of those (2 Timothy 3:7).
• In his letter to believers in Colosse, Paul argued against philosophical heresies like Gnosticism. He pointed believers to Christ instead, warning them, “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” (Colossians 2:8). We should consider this warning today.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Philosophy brings to mind an ascetic on a mountain, living simply and sharing his wisdom with others. Or maybe when you hear the word, you think of dusty libraries full of dense tomes written by or about Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates. Whatever vision the word conjures up, most people don’t think of philosophy as useful in the modern day.

But it can be, even for Christians. It can add an extra layer of depth to our study of the Bible. The Bible deals with philosophical matters of ultimate meaning and ethics, just as philosophy does. The pagan philosophers of old had different answers than Christians do, but the questions they asked are ones that the Bible explores as well.

Ultimately, studying philosophy can make Christians more careful thinkers. And it equips us to answer meaningful questions and to share the one answer to all our questions about meaning: Christ. Studying philosophy to improve reasoning abilities or argumentation skills can help us, but we should always be on guard against heresy.

UNDERSTAND

• Philosophy complements biblical wisdom by deepening understanding and addressing life’s big questions.
• Paul used philosophy to share the gospel but warned against letting it replace Christ’s truth.
• Studying philosophy sharpens thinking and aids evangelism but requires caution against heresy.

REFLECT

• How do you balance using philosophical reasoning with keeping Christ as the ultimate source of truth in your faith?
• How has studying or reflecting on philosophy deepened your understanding of Scripture and life’s big questions?
• How do you guard against being led astray by ideas that sound wise but conflict with biblical teaching?

ENGAGE

• How can Christians thoughtfully engage with philosophical ideas while ensuring they don’t replace or distort biblical truth?
• What are some examples where philosophical reasoning has helped or hindered sharing the gospel in today’s world?
• How should the church respond to popular philosophies that challenge core Christian beliefs without dismissing genuine questions?