Christian Philosophy as a Way of Life: An Invitation to Wonder
By Ross D. Inman (Baker Academic)
Ross D. Inman teaches philosophy of religion at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, but he rejects any suggestion the subject belongs only to the ivory towers of academia. Instead, Inman views Christian philosophy as good for what ails us—individually and as a society. It offers remedies for moral sickness, metaphysical vertigo and distorted vision.
At one level, Christian Philosophy as a Way of Life serves as a solid introduction to the philosophy of religion. Certainly, Inman provides a good overview of how Christian philosophy relates to the classical disciplines of ethics, logic, metaphysics, aesthetics and epistemology. He helps connect the dots linking Socrates, Plato and Aristotle to Augustine, Anselm and Aquinas.
However, Inman believes Christian philosophy should not be limited to classroom study. He asserts it provides a map to help Christians find meaning and follow truth-directed practices. He insists the Christian disciplines of a philosophical life—solitude, silence, meditation, self-examination, spiritual friendships and existential rest—have therapeutic value.
Furthermore, Inman believes philosophy possesses value in and of itself, because it helps us fulfill our God-given nature as meaning-seekers. Christian philosophy provides a framework to help believers discover—or recapture—a sense of wonder. It helps Christ-followers understand and focus upon what is good, true and beautiful in light of the revelation of God in Jesus.
Inman invites readers to rekindle that sense of awe and wonder. It’s an invitation worth accepting.
Ken Camp, managing editor
Baptist Standard
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