Faith & Reason

Philosophy

Etymologyfrom Greek

"Φιλοσοφία" (philo-sophia) lover of wisdom

Plato was a philosopher who had been a student of Socrates.

He formed the first known “university” called the Academy.

Plato’s most widely known work is The Republic and his most famous idea is the Theory of Forms.

Plato in his Theory of Forms believed that while one’s present life (experience) was varying, the ideal forms were static and real.

The Forms were universal and constituted the real world.

What we see are particulars (mimics of the real thing). Plato believed there was an enormous divide in our perception of reality.

The conflict of Aristotle versus Plato is the conflict of reason versus mysticism.

It was Plato who formulated most of philosophy’s basic questions—and doubts.

It was Aristotle who laid the foundation for most of the answers.

Why do Apologetics?

All the apologetic arguments ever written are worth less in the eyes of God than a single act of love.

Even the most perfect argument does move people as much as emotion, desire, and experiences.

3 Reasons to do Apologetics

1. 1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer

to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect

2. To challenge unbelievers3. To support believers

What is the relationship between faith & reason

5 possible answers

Rationalism

F R

Fideism

F R

Identity

F R

Dualism

F R

Partial Overlap

F R

Explain

“Reason is the Devil's greatest whore.”--Martin Luther

“To impugn human reason is to impugn God.”--Thomas Aquinas