Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 26:72 (Spring 2022)
Article: The Antithesis Between Christian And Secular Philosophy
Author: Todd Mathisen

JODT 26:72 (Spring 2022) p. 91

The Antithesis Between Christian And Secular Philosophy

Todd Mathisen

* Todd Mathisen, Th.M. student, Southern California Seminary, El Cajon, California

A great divide exists between believers and non-believers which permeates all areas of life, including their philosophy. Since philosophy, in the traditional1 sense of the term, is a way of understanding the world, and a means of defending worldviews2, there is opposition in this regard. The purpose of this article is to argue that only Christian philosophy correctly answers the questions of metaphysics, epistemology, and value theory; therefore, it is the only true philosophy (and this is made evident in what defines each person’s worldview). The Christian’s philosophy is seen through the lens of a God-centered worldview. The secularist’s worldview is the antithesis of the Christian’s: he seeks to understand the world without God. The distinction is important to recognize because the only possible way to understand the world is to love the wisdom that comes from the One who created the world – that wisdom comes from the Bible.

Introduction

As a preliminary matter, there is an obstacle that, in the mind of this writer, must be navigated in order to proceed. That obstacle is the definition of the word “philosophy.” According to Webster’s 1828 American

JODT 26:72 (Spring 2022) p. 92

Dictionary of the English Language, philosophy is defined as, “Literally, the love of wisdom. But in modern acceptation, philosophy is a general term denoting an explanation of the reasons of things; or an investigation of the causes of all phenomena both of mind and of matter.”3 The definition seems adequate and succinct. However, the phrase “But in modern acceptation” should give reason for pause. There seems to have been an unwarranted shift in the meaning; therefore, further definition is paramount lest one acquiesces without due diligence.

John Frame rightly concluded, “The word philosophy means, etymologically, ‘love of wisdom.’”4 However, this is merely a neutral noun expressing love of wisdom. Taken at face value, it is not logical or grammatically correct to say, “His philosophy (love of wisdom) of education is interesting” for this is using the word adjectively in relation to the word “education.” Instead, “philosophy” is a stand-alone noun. Admittedly, the jump from philosophy to philosopher is logical — the natural conclu...