Why is it thought that philosophy produces wisdom, and is wisdom the power of Christian life?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: As a philosophy major, when I listen to lectures on the subject, I’m not sure I agree that philosophy is the study of wisdom and learning how to think. Why is it commonly thought that the study of philosophy produces wisdom, and is wisdom the power of living the Christian life? – W.W.
A: Humanity prefers to put confidence in its own ideas instead of in the authority of God’s Word. The human race rejects God’s wisdom because it rejects Him and, therefore, calls His message of truth foolish.
Mankind has attempted to explain truth away through philosophy, which is simply human wisdom that lacks authority. This question is asked in the Bible: “So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. … God in His wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:20–21, NLT).
The ancient scholars, philosophers, and debaters are dead. We now listen to new scholars, philosophers, and debaters through every communication mode; still, the world is in turmoil to discover peace and frantically searches for truth. The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, NKJV).
Worldly wisdom has made us calloused and hard. Our natural wisdom, as the Scriptures teach, comes not from God, but is earthly and sensual. Where can we turn for wisdom? There is no greater resource than God’s Word – the Bible. In His wisdom, God knows that an uncontrolled life is an unhappy life, so He puts reins on our wayward souls that they may be directed into the paths of righteousness. The secret of the power of Christianity is not in its ethics, Christian ideas, or philosophy. The secret of Christianity is found in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is Wisdom.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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