more on philosophy and theology

this builds on philosophy and theology, on philosophy and theology, faith and reason and systematic theology.

philosophy and theology share a symbiotic relationship, like the government and ntuc.

philosophy (the discipline) sharpens theology by unpacking certain misconceptions. for example, the law of noncontradiction states that 'one cannot say of something that it is and that it is not in the same respect and at the same time' (aristotle). this helps us to understand that 'to suppose God to have contrary wills towards the same object, is a contradiction; but it is not so, to suppose Him to have contrary wills about different objects' (edwards); one will in two senses.

at the same time, theology refines philosophy (individual worldviews) by separating the wheat from the chaff/the wheat from the weeds. given a theistic worldview and an atheistic worldview, it is clear which of them is true, or at least closer to being true. creation vs evolution, realism vs anti-realism, tripartism (man exists in body, soul and spirit; in the image of a triune God) vs monism/dualism...

it's true, it's true

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."" - John 8:31-32 (NIV)

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."" - John 14:6 (NIV)

"Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."" - John 18:37 (NIV)

it would be hard to choose between philosophical truth and theological truth. fortunately, they are the same thing.

link: philosophy and theology (25 nov 07)