Abstract

According to some views, philosophy cannot be Christian at all; the reasons given for these views are considered and dismissed. The main part of the lecture considers the views on this topic of two Christian philosophers, Paul K. Moser and Robert M. Adams. According to Moser,  philosophy as it is normally practiced is highly unsatisfactory from a Christian standpoint. The two paramount models for Christian philosophy are Jesus and Paul, and a truly Christian philosophy will follow them in a way that deviates sharply from the existing discipline of philosophy. Adams, on the other hand, portrays a relationship between Christian faith and philosophy that respects the integrity of each; such a relationship can be basically harmonious though not free from tension. Building on these ideas from Moser and Adams, Hasker sketches out his own perspective on the relationship between Christian faith and philosophy.

Suggested readings for this lecture

• Adams, Robert Merrihew, “A Philosophical Autobiography,” Samuel Newlands and Larry M. Jorgensen, eds., Metaphysics and the Good: Themes from the Philosophy of Robert Merrihew Adams (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009), pp. 16-32.
• Moser, Paul K., “Christ-Shaped Philosophy: Wisdom and Spirit United” (link)
• Moser, Paul K., “Jesus and Philosophy: The Questions We Ask,” Faith and Philosophy 22:3 (July 2005), pp. 261-83.
• Plantinga, Alvin, “Advice to Christian Philosophers,” Faith and Philosophy 1:3 (July 1984), pp. 253-71.  http://arldocdel.iii.com/729073.pdf
• Symposium, “More Advice to Christian Philosophers,” Faith and Philosophy 16:2 (April 1999), pp. 147-93. Including contributions from: Merold Westphal, "Taking Plantinga Seriously"; Avin Plantinga, "On Heresy, Mind and Truth"; Eleonore Stump, "Orhodoxy and Heresy"; and Peter van Inwagen, "Some Remarks on Plantinga's Advice"

See also the video from Paul Moser's keynote address from the CCT Conference on Christian Scholarship in the 21st Century:

Christ-Shaped Philosophy: Spirit and Wisdom United

Paul Moser