[Leboman]

The title says it all. I'm looking for some suggested reading.

Robin had this book in one of her classes at Liberty so I thought I would read it. Now I want more.

Philosophy Made Slightly Less Difficult

I also have this one.

Love Your God With All Your Mind

[athanatos]

Those are good places to start.

What is your goal? To know the broad strokes of the history of philosophy, to have some plain-english presentation of common philosophical problems, to get "Christian" answers to philosophical problems, or to deal with philosophical questions that relate to religion?

[Leboman]

Originally Posted by athanatos

Those are good places to start.

What is your goal? To know the broad strokes of the history of philosophy, to have some plain-english presentation of common philosophical problems, to get "Christian" answers to philosophical problems, or to deal with philosophical questions that relate to religion?

I'm just trying to broaden my own understanding. Honestly, part of it is so that I can recognize the philosophies that influenced the biblical writers and early church leaders.


I took a Christian Evidences course for my undergrad degree but you can only touch upon so much stuff in one semester.

[Dr. Thrunk]

Originally Posted by Leboman

I'm just trying to broaden my own understanding. Honestly, part of it is so that I can recognize the philosophies that influenced the biblical writers and early church leaders.

I took a Christian Evidences course for my undergrad degree but you can only touch upon so much stuff in one semester.

So, are you most interested in possible ways ancient philosophy may have influenced the biblical writers?

There are a few books on Stoicism and Cynicism and how they may have influenced Paul and Jesus. There are also some interesting works on the possible influence of Aristotle on Paul (and, showing how Paul would have come in contact with diverse philosophical works).

If this type of work interests you, let me know!

[Leboman]

Originally Posted by Uptown Thrunk

So, are you most interested in possible ways ancient philosophy may have influenced the biblical writers?

There are a few books on Stoicism and Cynicism and how they may have influenced Paul and Jesus. There are also some interesting works on the possible influence of Aristotle on Paul (and, showing how Paul would have come in contact with diverse philosophical works).

If this type of work interests you, let me know!

That is definitely an area I am interested in.

One such topic might be how the Greek concept of logos was used/borrowed/adapted in Christian thought.

[athanatos]

Can I be honest? I think Wikipedia articles are a great place to start. The audience is broad, you can follow interests wherever they lead you.

I'd start with the same schools that Taylor mentioned, especially Stoicism. Neo-Platonic thought was the majority report for a good 800 years in the church, so I'd recommend checking with Plato, Philo, Plotinus, and Augustine. Some argue that Platonic philosophy is in the background of Hebrews (I believe there is no such connection, but if there is, it does nothing to invalidate the Scriptures).

Another method I'd recommend is to look at your Biblical commentaries keep your eyes peeled to see if they make reference to poets, philosophers, etc. in Acts or other NT scriptures, and then look up those people it mentions on Wikipedia. That way it will be more habitual and practical.

I might have a book of philosophy readings in my apt that I can mail you.

[Leboman]

Thanks for the input. I value both of your opinions in these matters.

[Dr. Thrunk]

Originally Posted by athanatos

Can I be honest? I think Wikipedia articles are a great place to start. The audience is broad, you can follow interests wherever they lead you.

I'd start with the same schools that Taylor mentioned, especially Stoicism. Neo-Platonic thought was the majority report for a good 800 years in the church, so I'd recommend checking with Plato, Philo, Plotinus, and Augustine. Some argue that Platonic philosophy is in the background of Hebrews (I believe there is no such connection, but if there is, it does nothing to invalidate the Scriptures).

Another method I'd recommend is to look at your Biblical commentaries keep your eyes peeled to see if they make reference to poets, philosophers, etc. in Acts or other NT scriptures, and then look up those people it mentions on Wikipedia. That way it will be more habitual and practical.

I might have a book of philosophy readings in my apt that I can mail you.

+100

Also, great idea about Wikipedia. I hate admitting it, but generally you can find decent overviews of subjects. One just has to be careful and take things with a grain of salt.

[Leboman]

If nothing else, Wikipedia can be a great springboard to other sources.