Doing Philosophy as a Christian, By Garrett J. DeWeese
Doing Philosophy as a Christian
paperback
  • Length: 352 pages
  • Dimensions: 6 × 9 in
  • Published: August 03, 2011
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • Item Code: 2811
  • ISBN: 9780830828111

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What does it mean to be called to the profession of philosophy? What does it mean for the Christian in particular? And how should those called to the profession engage their tasks?

Noting that philosophy literally is "the love of wisdom," Garrett J. DeWeese begins with a discussion of wisdom from the Old and New Testaments before addressing the often misunderstood relation between faith and reason.

DeWeese then elucidates the fundamental questions of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and aesthetics, philosophy of mind and philosophy of science, finally making a case for the integration of philosophy and Christian spiritual formation.

The Christian Worldview Integration Series, edited by J. P. Moreland and Francis J. Beckwith, seeks to promote a robust personal and conceptual integration of Christian faith and learning, with textbooks focused on disciplines such as education, psychology, literature, politics, science, communications, biology, philosophy, and history.

"While many both in the church and in the world think that a Christian philosopher is an oxymoron, Christians in the university know better. Over the last fifty years there has been a dramatic resurgence of faithful Christians in academic philosophy. Many of the best young Christian minds continue to flock to this discipline. Finally there is a tool to help them think deeply and critically about the benefits of bringing their commitments to the authority of Scripture and the person of Jesus into their study of philosophy. Doing Philosophy as a Christian will set the beginner on the right path, and it will challenge the more advanced philosopher to continue to become a more faithful follower of Christ. Not only will those who study this book be better philosophers, they will be better able to lead others into a deeper encounter with Christ."

Gregory E. Ganssle, Yale University

"In this unique and uniquely important book, Professor DeWeese carefully and winsomely develops a clear, deep and cogent approach to the practice of philosophizing as a Christian. In so doing, he demonstrates a rich knowledge of Scripture, analytic philosophy and the history of philosophy--a rare combination of intellectual virtue. Both students and professors of philosophy will benefit greatly from this astute and timely work, for which I have the highest admiration."

Douglas Groothuis, professor of philosophy, Denver Seminary, and author of Christian Apologetics

"Sooner or later, reflective Christians will face the question of what to do with the academic discipline of philosophy. Garrett DeWeese rightly contends that Jesus as Lord has an important bearing on this question. This book aims to spell out this bearing of Jesus. In doing so, it merits careful attention from all reflective Christians."

Paul K. Moser, Loyola University Chicago

"Garrett DeWeese's book fills a serious gap. Students in philosophy as well as professional philosophers will find much insight into the important question of how Christian faith shapes the practice of philosophy. Not all Christian philosophers will agree with all the positions taken, but all can benefit from this fine example of what it means to be integrally Christian while seeking to do philosophy in a rigorous manner."

C. Stephen Evans, professor of philosophy and humanities, Baylor University

"With graduate degrees in theology and philosophy, and years of deep reflection, Garry DeWeese is uniquely qualified to write on how to approach philosophy from a Christian perspective. And Doing Philosophy as a Christian does just that. In page after page, DeWeese offers fresh insight and deep reflection about how to honor Jesus as Lord in the task of doing philosophy. This is a must-read for all interested in worldview development and the integration of Scripture with the field of philosophy."

J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology
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CONTENTS

Series Preface
Acknowledgments

1 Why Should You Read This Book?

Part I: Introductory Matters
2 Philosophers and Sages: Hokhmah and Sophia
3 Philosophy Within the Limits of Religion Alone? Faith and Reason
4 Jesus and Philosophy

Part II: The Inescapable Questions
5 What Is Real? Metaphysics
6 What Do I Know? Epistemology
7 What Should I Value? Ethics and Aesthetics

Part III: Second-Order Questions
8 Who and What Am I? Philosophy of Mind
9 Understanding Nature: Philosophy of Science

Part IV: The End of the Matter
10 Transforming the Soul: Philosophy and Spiritual Formation

Select Bibliography
Author and Subject Index
Scripture Index

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Garrett J. DeWeese

Garrett J. DeWeese (PhD, University of Colorado; ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is professor of philosophy and philosophical theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California. He has also taught at Dayspring Center for Christian Studies, University of Colorado, Denver Seminary, and Institut Biblique Européen (France). He is the author of God and the Nature of Time and Doing Philosophy as a Christian.