Christian Philosophy Research Articles

Inovasi Pembelajaran Berbasis Teknologi Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ditinjau melalui Perspektif Alkitabiah

Modern developments have had a significant influence on the world of education, for example technology-based learning innovations. However, technological developments have both positive and negative impacts. An examination based on a Biblical perspective is sufficient to answer the problems that arise because it is important to view the presence of technology as God's providence that must be used wisely. If not reviewed biblically, the presence of technology becomes a big problem in learning. The purpose of writing this paper is to present a study of Christian philosophy and theology regarding learning innovations based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. The method used is literature review. Hopefully God's providence will become more real, so that learning will increasingly glorify God and the world's philosophical views will not shake Christian faith. The results of the discussion show the philosophical views and Christian theology that students will get from teachers who invite students to properly examine AI technology-based learning innovations. The conclusion is that technology-based learning innovations are designed by Christian teachers in accordance with God's will. Suggestions that Christian teachers can make in learning are to deepen their mastery of knowledge, skills and correct attitudes regarding technological developments.

Justin Martyr – between Philosophy and the Second Sophistic

Only relatively recently have researchers begun to speak more loudly about how studies on the Second Sophistic overlook Christian (and Jewish) literature. On the other hand, studies on early Christianity in turn view the Second Sophistic as an exclusively rhetorical movement. The aim of the article’s author is to look at Justin, a Christian philosopher, in the context of the Second Sophistic. The paper first discusses the Second Sophistic as a rhetorical, cultural, and sociopolitical movement. The article distinguishes between two groups of educated people of that time: philosophers and rhetoricians-sophists and discusses their distinguishing features. This study examines the influence of the Second Sophistic on philosophical discourse and the tension between rhetoric and philosophy. The author of the article also analyzes Justin Martyr’s self-representation techniques and participation in rhetorical and philosophical disputes, conflicts with contemporaries, and strategies for presenting Christian teachings. Finally, it is concluded that although Justin can be seen as one of the representatives of the Second Sophistic, his main goal was to proclaim the Christian message, which only further strengthens his role as an apologist.

Переклад як (криво)тлумачення: на прикладі філософії пізнього Фіхте

The article examines the essays dedicated to the philosophy of the late Fichte, specifically to the concept of the image and the absolute (Netrebiak, 2022 and 2024). It demonstrates the issues arising, on the one hand, from neglecting the context of Fichte’s philosophy in attempts to interpret his late philosophy and, on the other hand, from misinterpreting Fichte’s terminology and incorrect translations of his texts. Additionally, it refutes the claim regarding the theological context of Fichte’s philosophy, which consistently developed Kant’s program of transcendental philosophy. This program aimed at reforming Christian epistemology and ethics by considering knowledge as the source of faith. The article also deals with Kant’s thesis on the setting aside (aufheben) of knowledge in order to make room for faith (KrV, B XXX) in the context of Luther’s translation of the biblical verb καταργεῖν (Rom. 3:31) as Kant’s claim for a reformation of Christianity. The path of Christianity (and the Christian philosopher) is the justification of knowledge (law, norms) through faith. Kant, however, radically rethinks this stance by justifying faith through knowledge. At bottom, Kant revises Christianity by rejecting transcendence, the supposed source of epistemic and practical world relations, leading to his critique of Christian ethics and its golden rule of morality whithin his doctrine of categorical imperatives. From this perspective, Fichte merely continues Kant’s program of transcendental philosophy, offering a path from knowledge to faith. Attempts to put forward a theological interpretation of Fichte’s Wissenschaftslehre fundamentally contradict both the early and later versions of the Wissenschaftslehre, as they disregard the epistemological context in which Fichte consistently developed Kant’s revolutionary equating of objective validity with objective reality, even though he employed his own original theoretical vocabulary.

Attention to Oneself in an Apologetic Perspective: The Reception of Ancient Philosophical Practices in St. Basil the Great

The purpose of this article is to present Saint Basil’s utilization of the philosophical heritage along with the ancient Greek literature for the benefit of Christianity. Saint Basil’s approach was influenced by a lineage of Christian philosophers, including the St. Justin the Philosopher, Origen, St. Gregory Thaumaturgus and his grandmother St. Macrina the Elder. Initially, early Christians like St. Justin the Philosopher and Clement of Alexandria portrayed Christianity as the true philosophy and the culmination of knowledge in antiquity. Then Origen employed more philosophical methods and practices in his Christian educational program. St. Basil followed this tradition, but infused his teaching with a holistic Christian interpretation. For instance, he emphasized attention to oneself in a Christian perspective. Additionally, his Address to the Young: On how they might derive benefit from Greek literature demonstrates Christianity’s capacity to assimilate and embrace other traditions while interpreting them in a manner that promotes virtue, the moral development of human being and devotion to Christ.

Розлучення як духовно-етична проблема в контексті християнського вчення

As long as we remember humanity, we remember marriage as a component of this humanity. Different ideas about marriage form different practices of marriage formation, married life and marriage termination. Biblical practices of marriage are also considered in the context of Christian philosophy. The study presents a view of divorce in the Biblical context. In particular, attention is drawn to the position of Christ. The text of Matthew 19:9, where Jesus speaks of divorce, causes discussion primarily because there are differences in the parallel texts of the Gospel of Matthew and Luke. In addition, commentators and researchers interpret this text differently. The first aspect of the literature analysis and its results are interesting in their approach to interpretation and in the various conclusions. The context seems inappropriate at first glance and Matthew frames it this way for a reason. After all, in the issue of divorce, the question of forgiveness is not secondary. A significant part of the work is devoted to the word "debauchery" (gr. πορνείᾳ). Depending on the interpretation of this word, the view of Christ's words about divorce will also depend. And also, the parallel to the Old Testament laws and practices opens a picture of the broad actions of Jesus, who does not simply give advice for the future or create a new law. Jesus parries the interpretation of the law and practices of Israel and does not adapt to any of the schools of interpretation. The article includes the relevance of the study highlighting the problematic. Literature analysis, contextual analysis. Literary and lexical analysis reveals the broad meaning of the word "debauchery" and also shows the two-way responsibility in divorce, both husband and wife. Revealing the historical context and culturally shown practice of easy divorce, where Jesus acts as a complicating legislator.

Алексей Лосев и Сергей Хоружий: онтологический и антропологический подход к рассмотрению природы человека

The article deals with two different religious approaches to human nature on the example of the philosophical systems of Alexey Losev and Sergey Horuzhiy. Alexey Losev's system is not really aimed at clarifying anthropology; nevertheless, few ideas about it can be extracted from his works. This article will examine these ideas in the light of contemporary views on Christian anthropology (or personology). Sergey Horuzhiy's ideas, on the contrary, are fundamentally anthropocentric; moreover, they are in dispute with the ideas of Losev, among others. If the Losev system is based primarily on ontology and considers man in the light of some variation of Christian Neoplatonism, where man is a part of the microcosm, then Horuzhiy, criticising this view, emphasises that such an approach, even called Christian, is by and large pagan and was destroyed by the emergence of the Christian approach to man, but historically incorrectly articulated, as the very fact of the development of Christian philosophy from the original pagan conceptual system is erroneous. An alternative approach to considering the nature of man in the light of Christianity is called by him "synergistic anthropology," based on the ideas of both St. Gr. Palamas and twentieth-century thinkers (especially Michel Foucault). It will be stressed that in Losev's system the most important place is given to God and the God-world connection, while in Horuzhiy's system it is given only to man (in perspective, to the deified man, the God-man), since from his point of view Christianity opposes pagan cosmocentrism in a fundamental way, suggesting the idea of the practice of theosis.

The Relevance of Philosophy in Christianity: An Analysis of Philosophy's Contribution to Theological Understanding and Faith Practice

The Relevance of Philosophy in Christianity: An Analysis of Philosophy's Contribution to Theological Understanding and Faith Practice

“Dignifying the Ordinary”: Why, What, and How of Social Practice Theory in Christian Philosophy

Abstract It seems remarkable that several philosophers in the Reformed tradition have recently interacted with social practice theory without interacting with each other. This gave rise to the question as to whether they interact differently or similarly with social practice theory and to what extent Reformed philosophy might benefit from such an interaction. In this article, therefore, we aim to clear the way by addressing three strands in Reformed philosophy, namely, Nicholas Wolterstorff, the normative practice approach, and James K. A. Smith. We explore why they use social practice theory, what they do with it, and how they make it their own. Finally, we highlight what unites them and what divides them, and conclude with suggestions as to how they might benefit from each other’s work in social practice theory.

Origen’s exegetical method and the Catechetical Schools of Alexandria and Caesarea

The article presents the relationship between the way the Bible was interpreted by Origen and the organization of schools he foundedin Alexandria and Caesarea. Origen believed that there were higher and lower levels of meaning (sense) in Sacred Scripture. For this reason, he grouped Christians in terms of their ability to understand these meanings. The highest rank in the church hierarchy was assigned to Christians who were able to find the Bible’s deepest meaning, i.e. its allegorical and philosophical sense. They played the role of thinkers and philosophers in the Church, explaining the most difficult truths of Christianity. This classification was used by Origen at his school in Alexandria and later in Caesarea. The highest group at Origen’s schools were students studying philosophy and allegorical (philosophical) exegesis of the Bible. Thus, the main goal of Origen’s schools was to educate Christian philosophers.

The Fall of the Cosmic Mind: Cosmopsychism, the Satan Hypothesis, and Natural Evil

[Figure: see text] Christian philosophers often use moral agents to explain the existence of evil. The fall of human beings can be used in explanations of moral evil, and some have posited the existence of angels to explain natural evil. The latter proposal, which has been labelled “the Satan hypothesis,” has faced substantial criticism. Here, I do not dismiss the Satan hypothesis, but present cosmopsychism, the idea that the universe is conscious, as an alternative way of using moral agents to explain natural evil for those skeptical of the Satan hypothesis. After introducing cosmopsychism into this debate and outlining how it can be used instead of the Satan hypothesis, I consider how it can provide an explanation of natural evil.

Incarnation and the Unity of Heaven and Humans

Zia Nai-zin 謝乃壬, Xie Fu-ya or Hsieh Fu-yah 謝扶雅 (1892–1991), a remarkable Chinese Christian philosopher, theologian, and translator, developed his unique philosophy of “in-ism” (唯中論) from the 1960s to 1980s to indigenize Christianity into the ideal “Chinese Christianity” (中華基督教). Zia declared that the essence of Confucianism is the concept of Zhong 中 (neutrality, avoidance of extremes) and compared the Confucian teaching of the Unity of Heaven and Humans (天人合一) with the Christian Christology, which argues that Jesus Christ is the unity of divinity and humanity. Zia further stated that New Confucians emphasize the Way of Humans over the Way of Heaven, while the Christian doctrine of incarnation balanced both divinity and humanity and achieved the Unity of Heaven and Humans. While Zia’s reinterpretation of the Doctrine of the Mean is controversial, following the recently developed method of sublation, this paper aims to evaluate whether Zia’s Christian reinterpretation of Zhongyong 中庸 has successfully sublated Confucianism and Christianity. I argue that although Zia’s interpretation of Zhongyong contains certain philological flaws, overall he successfully produced new insights enriching both Christianity and Confucianism by grounding both on the same ontological ground of Zhong.

능력주의 사회에서 기독교인의 인성과 교양 함양을 위한 교육 －기독교철학의 관점에서 본 포도원 품꾼 비유를 중심으로－

The world we are living in today is still entrenched in the midst of meritocracy. While it may seem somewhat out of place in a society where the values of meritocracy reign supreme, the author seeks to reinterpret Jesus’ “parable of the vineyard workers” from the perspective of Christian philosophy. The ultimate aim of doing so is to reveal the dangers posed by meritocracy or the all-encompassing belief in merit, which can destroy our own lives, sever relationships with our neighbors, and ultimately even annihilate human nature itself. Furthermore, in the socio-cultural landscape of Korea, which has embraced this meritocratic ideology, the author aims to define the identity of Christians and present guidelines for the cultivation of Christian virtues, exploring what constitutes a mature Christian life amidst the prevailing meritocratic ethos. To achieve this, the author first reviews various interpretations of the “parable of the vineyard workers” and proposes Martin Buber’s model of human relationships from “I and Thou” as a basis for the Christian philosophical interpretation of this parable. Next, the author analyzes the types of human relationships represented by the vineyard workers from the perspective of Christian philosophy and elucidates their characteristics. Finally, the author aims to conclude the discussion by mentioning why constant cultivation is necessary for the cultivation of Christian virtues and culture, focusing on the importance of continuous labor while tying the discussion back to the parable.

Desiring God and Christian Hedonism: awakening an immanent joy

ABSTRACT In the following rhetorical analysis, the contemporary evangelical philosophy called Christian Hedonism is examined. This philosophy was initiated by John Piper during the eighties through the now classic text Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Using rhetorical conceptions of immanence and transcendence, the artefact demonstrates a desire to transcend the contemporary bounds of evangelicalism through the immanent substance of joy. By challenging Kantian philosophy, which rejects emotions, Piper awakens interlocutors to an eligible process of transcendence within the then metaphysical dialectic of conservative evangelicalism. Through immanence, incongruity emerges allowing, most significantly, for suffering to become synonymous with joy thus giving rhetorical scholars further insight into the rhetorical inner workings of this modern day Christian philosophy.

On the immanentization of the religious ideal in the culture (according to "Diaries" of Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann)

The problem of the immanentization of the religious ideal is explicated in the context of cultural history as a synchronous "movement" from idea to ideal and from ideal to idea. In the process of realizing the idea of the transcendent within the framework of the Christian tradition, its immanentization takes place – reduction to ultimate forms that can be considered based on the intuition of potential infinity (ancient tradition) and based on the intuition of actual infinity (Christian philosophy). The intuition of actual infinity is actualized in the eschatological relation to the Other, and the intuition of potential infinity in the principle of hierarchy, universal for the Christian tradition. The synthesis of these intuitions, with the predominance of one of them, is a tragedy for the Christian tradition, which determines the peculiarities of the spiritual searches of thinkers. The reflection of this tragedy in the works of Alexander Schmemann suggests a return to the "attitude" characteristic of early Christianity for the future, correlating with the preserved tradition based on hierarchy. At the same time, the philosopher's spiritual quest reflects the process of devaluation of the hierarchical principle in Christian culture, stimulating the inversion of the hierarchy, when transcendence can be realized through low-ranking humor and foolishness. The work uses the method of historical and philosophical reconstruction, which allows to identify the features of the interaction of the transcendent and immanent in certain philosophical and religious concepts. The synchronic method explicates the mutual correlations between philosophical and religious concepts belonging to the same historical period. The diachronic method makes it possible to actualize the features of the immanentization of the religious ideal in the work of thinkers belonging to different historical periods. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the combination of reflection on the relationship between the transcendent and the immanent, carried out on a rational basis by European philosophy and the study of the experience of transcendence described by specific Christian writers and thinkers (in particular St. Augustine). Thanks to this combination, the study realized the possibility of considering the relationship of the transcendent and immanent in the history of European philosophy using the logic of the symbol by A.F. Losev, when the structure of the interaction of the symbolized and the symbolizing is extrapolated to the correlation of the transcendent and immanent, and the scope of the concept of "transcendent-immanent" becomes equivalent to its content. The process of immanentization of the transcendent is considered simultaneously from the outside (from the point of view of the dialectic of concepts) and from the inside from the point of view of changing the paradigm of religious life in culture, which allows us to take into account its features.

Dealing with the Trustworthy Gospel in a Post-Christian Australia

What is truth? We have entered another period fraught with Gospel confusion—beyond postmodernism to what can be called “post-Christianity”. This is not unusual—so we should not be overwhelmed. This happens periodically, as early as Gal 1:9: “If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned”. It is all a question of the Gospel, or put another way, evangelism (the communication or announcing “the good news of God”). Evangelism is proclaiming and living a distinct message of Jesus Christ. Jesus is Himself the embodiment of the “good news”. The Gospel has been challenged, eroded and corrupted over the centuries—yet rediscovered by those who practice exegesis of the Biblical record of the New Testament. This article moves on to look at how secular philosophy—rather than Christian philosophy—and other “forms of the truth” have influenced the current situation we find ourselves in.

Filsafat Kristen dan Paradigma Inklusif di Era Modern: Kritik Terhadap Pengaruh Tren Budaya

Presents a critique of the influence of cultural trends on Christian philosophy and the inclusive paradigm in the modern era. This article seeks to criticize the influence of cultural trends on Christian philosophy and the inclusive paradigm in modern times. By identifying and analyzing the implications of cultural trends in these two concepts, the author aims to gain a deeper understanding of how values ​​and beliefs in contemporary society are influenced and change in line with the development of cultural trends. The method used in this research is qualitative research methods. with a literature study approach. First of all, the study will begin with a comprehensive literature review, aiming to gather the latest information regarding the development of Christian philosophy, inclusive paradigms, and cultural trends in the context of modern times. The next step is to conduct an in-depth conceptual analysis, taking into account relevant theological, philosophical and socio-cultural perspectives. Modern cultural trends have brought about significant changes in the way humans interact, think and communicate. In the context of the inclusive paradigm, this change has several implications. Advances in information technology and digital culture have made individual needs more diverse and complex. An inclusive paradigm must be able to capture and meet these needs contextually. Inclusive education, for example, should focus on developing individuals' abilities to adapt to change and interact with various cultures. the influence of cultural trends on Christian philosophy and inclusive paradigms in the modern era, with a focus on their impact in the context of morality, biblical authority, and inclusivity. Through conceptual analysis and critique of the implications of cultural trends, this article highlights challenges and opportunities for Christian philosophy and inclusive paradigms.

Memahami Konsep Keselamatan dan Filsafat Kristen Tinjauan Dari Perspektif Teologis Dan Filosofi

On the other hand, from a Christian philosophical perspective, the concept of salvation can be approached through rational thinking and conceptual analysis. Christian philosophy often explores ontological and epistemological questions about the nature of salvation, such as the relationship between human freedom and God's sovereignty, as well as the nature of spiritual truth. This research highlights the differences in sources of authority, methods of truth discovery, and ultimate goals between theological and philosophical approaches to salvation. While theology relies on religious teachings, divine revelation, and religious experience, Christian philosophy tends to use logical reasoning and conceptual analysis. However, these two fields can complement each other in deepening understanding of the concept of salvation, creating creative and in-depth dialogue about the nature of the Christian faith. This research provides valuable insights for theologians, philosophers, and practitioners of Christianity to explore the concept of salvation holistically, combining deep theological understanding with critical philosophical analysis.

Prespektif Filsafat Kristen Tentang Eksistensi Allah

The existence of God is something that humans have always questioned. Humans rely on reason and knowledge to find out about the existence of God, even though humans have never found certainty about the existence of God. So various human assumptions about God arose, that God never existed, and some people denied and denied the existence of God. Even though humans engage in various studies, it is impossible for humans to fully understand and know the existence of God, because God is transcendent and unlimited, while humans are immanent or limited. Therefore, in writing this article, the author looked at it from a philosophical perspective based on Christian faith to answer several questions: Is it true that God does not exist? Is God just a human imagination? Many people, especially certain groups who do not believe in the existence of God, think that anyone who believes in the existence of God is a fool. This article discusses theological concepts and Christian philosophical thought, using arguments used to prove the inseparable existence of God from the perspective of Christian faith. Philosophy has long been a means of understanding and exploring the existence of God in various Christian traditions. The author presents several philosophical arguments used by Christian theologians to support belief in the existence of God, and also discusses the contribution of thought leadership of Christian philosophers in forming views on the existence of God. From a philosophical perspective, this article offers a deeper understanding of how the Christian faith views the existence of God and how philosophy can play a role in strengthening those beliefs. Finally, this article provides an overview of how to study philosophy to understand and reflect on the existence of God, especially within the framework of Christianity.

Representation and Evolution of Western Philosophy in English Literature

The manifestation and evolution of Western philosophy in English literature represent a rich and diverse historical process. This article systematically examines the influence of philosophical movements from the classical period to the modern era on English literature. Ancient Greek and Roman philosophies inspired the themes and materials of literary works, while medieval Christian philosophy profoundly influenced the rise and development of religious themes. The humanist movement of the Renaissance integrated philosophy with literature, reflecting humanity's pursuit of the human spirit. The specific manifestations of philosophy in literature include themes such as self-consciousness, rationality, and nature, with different philosophical schools and literary styles also forming close associations. Interdisciplinary research will provide us with a deeper understanding, promoting interaction and exchange between philosophy and literature.

An encounter with God’s honored partner: Karl Barth’s Christ-centered philosophy of education

Karl Barth is regarded as one of the most preeminent theologians of the 20th century. While much attention has been given to Barth’s theological writings, little attention has been paid to his teaching practices. However, analyzing a historical narrative of Barth’s teaching career—culled from two highly regarded biographies on Barth—through the lens of Barth’s theology yields a robustly Christian philosophy of teaching that is theologically rooted and practically demonstrated. Viewed in this way, the narrative of Barth’s teaching provides a model for contemporary teachers on how they might connect their Christian faith with their pedagogical practice.