We started off with the goal to “learn the basic vocabulary of
philosophy and understand its main points for Christian thought”.
And I think we achieved that la :) The reading group facilitated by Ron
(both remotely and later on face to face) helps to clarify our
understanding on the subject, and we all had fun learning how to engage
seriously and responsibly as a Christian with other
worldviews/philosophies.
Alexa
Ho
It opens up my mind to other worldviews and how they measure up to
Christianity. I appreciate better why certain people think and behave
in a certain way – that certainly helps when you engage in any serious
conversation with any modern man.
Sinsee
Ho
At first, I didn't think philosophy and Christianity have much in
common or even remotely connected. How wrong I was! I believe
Christians should learn philosophy as there are so many wrong
philosophy being taught and handed down, we should know how to
differentiate them. By knowing where these worldviews come from, we can
better engage in 'intelligent' discussions with non believers.
Sharon
Although what we did was just an overview of Philosophy, the reading
exposes us to the worldviews and shows us how human thought pattern has
evolved and affected cultures over the years.
I believe Christians should learn Philosophy because it helps us to
define our Christian beliefs by questioning our own thought pattern in
the light of the other worldviews, and shows us how and why our thought
pattern and culture has evolved when we embrace Christianity. The
understanding of our own thought pattern helps to reinforce the
conviction of our Christian beliefs and as a result should constrain us
to proclaim the Christian view and do it more intelligently.
On a side note to my Friends and
SI-FU in the Reading Class:
I had tried to read books like "He is there, He is not silent" by
Francis Schaeffer. It took me months to complete this small book as I
have to re-read the philosophical terms used and yet with no
understanding. I re-visited that book and now at least I have a better
inkling of where certain philosophical thoughts come from.
The lecturer in my MBA class once told us that the course does not make
us an expert in the subjects we study, but it tells us what resources
exist and when you come across situations where you might need it, you
know where to look for it. I liken this reading as such, and consider
the things we learned as invaluable. I had recommended to Ps. Richard
to encourage more people in the church to do it, as I don't believe
there is any other opportunity in this country to even touch on this
subject.
Stephen
Choi
Christians should learn philosophy because it will help them harness
their thoughts by learning to ask the right questions.
We should also learn from some of the philosophers to observe the world
around us, be really vexed by what is wrong, and be passionate in
trying to figure a way to improve things. Of course, the answers
they came up with weren't always the best but it's better than not even
noticing what's wrong, or worse - not even being bothered in the
slightest until it hits us personally.
Even if most of the ideologies of the great philosophers escape me and
I am confused as to who said what and when they said it.... I know WHY
they said it - it came from a deep conviction of what they believed
in. How much more as Christians we should KNOW what we believe
and be able to answer rightly everyone who questions us.
Wei
Lymn
It opened up my mind to the other religions in the world and made me a
more understanding person in recognizing the vast differences in
philosophers or people in terms of beliefs. I am able to see now
how philosophers' philosophy (ies) is born and why it is done the way
they want it to be. Christians should learn philosophy as we need to
get ourselves grounded and rooted
(or in other words, get a better understanding)
with what we believe, why we believe it and how our beliefs are
formed.
Eliz
Yong
For me, I thought it was interesting to study how some Philosophers try
to prove the existence of God. Particularly, I liked the "top-down" and
"bottom-up" concept. Personally, after attending the class, I felt more
challenged to think deeper about what I actually know about God and His
existence.
Esther
Wong
Studying Philosophy has changed the way I think, about how to organize
my thoughts logically and the importance of communicating them clearly.
Also, I have been exposed to Christian philosophers who taught me to
see my faith and Christ in a way I haven’t seen before and studying
non-Christian philosophies have shown me the consequences of living a
life without Christ. Overall it was an enriching experience.
Gordon
Shum
This class was pretty stressful to me, because I have no idea about
history and how it developed. As Malaysian education doesn't introduce
philosophy, it was really hard for me to comprehend. It was
embarrassing that this was so hard to understand and throughout the
entire class, the philosopher that I remembered the most was Thomas
Aquinas. Although it was hard to understand, but somehow, it really
helped me in my theories classes.
I think Christians should learn philosophy as some of the thoughts
affect our lives, knowing why we have that thought and how that thought
came about. Besides, it is now easier for me to engage intellectually
with believers of other religions.
Boo
Meishyan
Christianity (and religion in general) has had a great impact/influence
on philosophy and vice versa. Hence, it is an advantage for us to know
one, so as to help us to know the other better.
Philosophy is so powerful that it has shaped, changed, built and
destroyed societies and nations throughout history. I believe the devil
CAN and HAVE USED philosophy as one of his tools to destroy mankind.
So, it is a great risk and disadvantage for Christians to not know
philosophy.
Danny
Lee
"Philosophy has challenged me to think critically about my beliefs and
to justify them with good arguments. As 1 Peter 3:15 says, “……always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason
for the hope that you have".