Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 23:3 (Sep 1980)
Article: Philosophy As A Christian Vocation
Author: Edward L. Schoen

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JETS 23:3 (September 1980) p. 243

Philosophy As A Christian Vocation

Edward L. Schoen*

“Why are you in philosophy, anyway?” has a peculiar sort of sting when asked by Christians in religious studies. Normally the question is intended innocently enough, a mere request for a brief autobiography. But I find that this innocent question sometimes stimulates deep and recurring currents of self-examination that, though I rarely speak of them, run something like the following: “If I really believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and if I really believe that these events have a direct and crucial bearing on the happiness and meaningfulness of human life, why is my academic life spent in philosophical speculation rather than in the clarification and promulgation of Christian doctrine?” This current of questioning stirs even deeper bubblings of concern when I reflect on the simple fact that, while claiming the redemptive work of Christ in my own life, I do not even center my academic interests in philosophy of religion or Christian apologetics. Rather, my time is dissipated in reflections on logic, foundations of mathematics, philosophy of science and set theory. Can I really justify such activities?

One line of response that has recently become rather fashionable among Christians in philosophy involves an appeal to a “broader view of man.” Man as a creation in the image of God is stressed. The early chapters of Genesis are often cited in support of the conviction that man is given dominion over the earth, not merely to physically control it but to understand and interpret it as well. 1 Corinthians might be used to elaborate this theme. Not everyone is called to be a missionary or theologian. There are other gifts that may be exercised redemptively in this world. The use of one’s mental powers in creative thought can be a true and valuable glorification of God. Indeed, one’s whole personality in all of its aspects must be submitted to the task of worshipful glorification of God.

It seems to me that there is an important defect in this line of justification. The problem is not with the correctness of these points. Unlike many fashionable movements, this particular trend appears to be a healthy one, one that in the past has tended to receive too little attention. It can provide a broadening of perspective, a broadening that may point the way to a less rigid, less morbid and more accurate conception of the abundant Christian life.

The difficulty arises when this justification is offered to someone outside the philosophical community. To one not familiar with the issues and concerns of contemporary philosophy, this sort of response can engender a mistaken conception of the working philosopher. An image is aroused of the philosopher gaily playing at being an intellec...

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