In Doing Philosophy as a Christian, Garrett DeWeese, Ph.D.[1], contends (contra Kant) that our approach should be one of Reason within the bounds of Religion (rather than the reverse). For him, this is a basic governing principle for how Christians do philosophy. Here is his thesis:
Doing philosophy as a Christian means doing philosophy under the authority of the Lord Jesus and of the Bible, the Word of God. It means reasoning within the bounds of religion. It means, in the end, doing philosophy in a way that aims intentionally at the ultimate goal of personal transformation into the image of Christ, and of extending a meaningful invitation to others to enter into that transformation — that is, of extending the kingdom of God on earth.
DeWeese applies this approach to overviews of the different sub-disciplines within philosophy: metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics and aesthetics. He then takes on two interesting areas of discussion in contemporary philosophy, the philosophy of mind, and philosophy of science. Nowhere do we see his approach more clearly than in his arguments for dualism based on the biblical case for the soul, and his arguments for a real Adam despite leaning toward some form of old earth, progressive evolution.
One sees throughout the influence of philosopher Dallas Willard, but no more so than in the final chapter on the end of philosophy, which in fact is transformation through the renewal of our minds. Philosophy, he believes is an important adjunct to the spiritual disciplines in cultivating clear thought and intellectual virtue.
A very helpful book for anyone wondering about the possibility of doing philosophy Christianly, especially undergraduate philosophy majors. Also included in Doing Philosophy as a Christian, as well as all volumes in the Christian Worldview Integration Series, is a superb prefatory essay by J.P. Moreland on the “call to integration”. To God be the glory!
————–
Note to the reader: The Emerging Scholars Network (ESN) continues to encourage those who have read the book “under review” to comment. In addition, we acknowledge that some who have not read the book “under review,” also bring helpful insights to the concepts/data explored in a given book, the writing of a particular author, and/or the understanding of the concepts/data as offered by the reviewer. As such we are open to “civil” on-topic comments from both those who have read and those who have not read the book “under review.”
Deep down ESN longs for reviews such as those offered by Bob not only to foster dialogue, but also to serve as teasers — providing an opportunity for our readers to discern what books to place in their personal and book discussion group queue. If you have books you desire to review and/or to have reviewed by ESN, please email ESN.
Notes
Bob Trube is Associate Director of Faculty Ministry and Director of the Emerging Scholars Network. He blogs on books regularly at bobonbooks.com. He resides in Columbus, Ohio, with Marilyn and enjoys reading, gardening, choral singing, and plein air painting.