Before you judge the title, I don’t have a view that all philosophy is evil. As we look through the annals of church history, we can be thankful for some of the contributions of Christian thought. We should however notice the adjective I just used, “Christian.” A reason informed by the authority of Christ (and his word) will always think differently to a reason under the authority of self. In saying that, even Christians can leave the certainty of biblical revelation and wander into the uncertain realms of trusting finite human fallibility. It is the finite limitations upon human philosophy that reveal the nature of many illogical human conclusions. In saying this, there is one fundamental illogical conclusion that we must see in the very nature of worldly philosophical thinking: That is, the idea that humanity can improve humanity (and this world) through its own knowledge and experience and autonomous conclusions in this world.
There is a concept that no human can escape, and it is very well articulated in thought of the Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes. It is a thought which is captured in essence using three simple words, “under the sun.” This is the realm of humanity and the very realm of this world. All of it is under the sun.
The author of Ecclesiastes is explaining a simple and yet profound reality on which we should all meditate and consider very carefully. The problems of this world are in this world. The nature of humanity exists in this world. Our experiences, knowledge, and meditations happen within the realm of a confined parameter. You might object to this and suggest that the world is indeed a very big and diverse parameter. My answer? Finite is finite, no matter how big the border.
Philosophical pursuit for existence, meaning, purpose and fulfillment operates within a limited realm of fallible capacity. In one thousand years, humanity will be no closer to finding out the undeniable answer to these questions through its own autonomous pursuits of reason. Existence, meaning, purpose and fulfillment does not come from within but without. We do not invent a computer and seek it to find out its own purpose, but we design it with function and purpose. The computer’s purpose comes from that which is outside its own realm. For it to be otherwise would be absurd. The writer of Ecclesiastes calls this, “vanity.”
Christianity has a claim that no other human religion can boast. The Christian is completely dependent on revelation to understand what would otherwise remain an enduring secret. In the revelation of God’s Word, we are no longer reliant on a fallible reason limited to the realm of “under the sun.” We are recipients of truth from beyond this world and from the only One with authority and infinite capacity to inform us of our existence, meaning, purpose and fulfillment. God revealing himself to us through his word and his Son, Jesus Christ, is our only avenue of certainty to the fundamental answers to life in this world. Only with this foundation can we think without thinking in vain. Psalm 119:113 I hate the double-minded (KJV- vain thoughts), but I love your law.
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