DB2_CSTU 101
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University *
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101
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Philosophy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by bje6689
I think, as Christians, it is essential to study and understand the philosophies of ancient Greek thinkers, especially in the analysis of ethical studies. A great figure to examine is Aristotle, as he is one of the most significant thinkers of all time. His book “
Nicomachean Ethics
is one of the earliest attempts to an objective, rational, and fairly systematic approach to ethics in Western tradition” (Jones, 2017).
As the Bible tells us, we are to follow the authorities that God himself put into place (Romans 13:1). However, as the Bible is a good and reliable source for ethical guidance, following this principle can sometimes reveal difficulties in grasping its teachings for evaluating moral issues. Thus, “studying philosophical ethics can actually help us to understand better the ethical insights that are implicit in the bible, and hence studying philosophical ethics, can help us better
understand Christian ethics” (Jones, 2017). Furthermore, we can find that Aristotelian thought has influenced dominant figures in Christian theology, such as Saint Thomas Aquinas. Saint Aquinas “combined the science and philosophy of Aristotle with the revealed truths of Christianity. Holding that Aristotelianism is true but is not the whole truth, he reconciled the philosophy of Aristotle with the truth of Christian revelation” (Younkins, 2006).
Additionally, we can note from scripture that Apostle Paul himself used his understanding of Greek Philosophy to further the Gospel of Christ in his witness of unbelievers. "Paul quoted Menander in the book of Acts and in 1 Corinthians. He quoted Epimenides in the book of Titus" (Wayne, 2016).
In conclusion, it is evident that ancient Greek philosophy has influenced the comprehension of Christian Ethics, and we should be able to feel free to study philosophy, but to do so, to better equip ourselves with Christian thought.
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References:
Jones, M. S. (2017). Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong
. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781524946562/cfi/1!/4/4@0.00:2.31
Younkins, E. (2006). THOMAS AQUINAS’ CHRISTIAN ARISTOTELIANISM. Le Québécois Libre
, 6
(163). http://www.quebecoislibre.org/06/060122-5.htm
Wayne, L. (2016, June 10). Did Paul quote pagan philosophers?
[Text]. https://carm.org/did-
paul-quote-pagan-philosophers
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