The Role of Philosophy in Theology

Question 0

Theology borrows from philosophy language and concepts

Answer 0

• The language of scripture is relational not philosophical

e. g. Father, son, spirit

Question 1

Philosphy and theology address many of the same issues

Answer 1

Plato- truth is an abstract ‘ideal’ knower?
Apostle- truth is what exists in concrete reality
Christianity- God is the highest expression and source of all truth

Question 2

Important differences between philosophy and theology

Answer 2

philosophy- can discuss Gods existence and to a degree what kind of God he is
theology- can tell us who God is and what his intentions are.

Question 3

Illustration of the relationship between philosophy and theology

Answer 3

a. creation and redemption
creation- the world, time/ history, earthly life
redemption- the kingdom of God, eternity, life to come
b. nature and grace
nature- natural moral and intellectual capabilities of human persons
grace- divine assistance that transforms human nature and enables it to act in self-sacrifice and love
c. reason and faith
reason-natural ability of human beings to know the world and recognize truth
faith- ability of human beings, when assisted by grace=, to know God and experience salvation

Question 4

AC

Answer 4

I believe in God the father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:

And on Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended to hell, on the third day rose again from the dead, ascended to heaven, sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, thence He will come to judge the living and the dead;

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the commiunion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.