Adventures in Philosophy MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY Select a Category... Ancient Philosophy Medieval Philosophy Modern Philosophy Recent Philosophy American Philosophy Islamic Philosophy Jewish Philosophy Political Philosophy Eastern Philosophy Introduction & Directory
Academy Resources Glossary of Philosophical Terms Timeline of Philosophy A Timeline of American Philosophy Diagram: Development of Philosophic Thought Diagram: Divisions of Philosophy The Philosophy Resource Center The Religion Resource Center Books about Philosophy in The Radical Academy Bookstore Books about Religion in The Radical Academy Bookstore Click Here for New & Used College Textbooks at Discount Prices Click Here for College Education Information & Study Resources Shop Amazon Stores in the Radical Academy Bookstore Magazine Outlet Music Store Classical Music Store Video Store DVD Store Computer Store Camera & Photo Store Computer/Video Games Software Store Musical Instruments Outlet Store Cellular Phones Toys & Games Tools & Hardware Automotive Store Outdoor Living Consumer Electronics Home & Garden Kitchen & Housewares Baby Superstore Apparel & Accessories Gourmet Food Grocery Store Sporting Goods Jewelry & Watches Health & Personal Care Beauty Store		Select: Philosophy and Religion - The Evangelization The Period of Evangelization I. PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION Christianity is essentially religion; that is the basis of its distinction from philosophy. Philosophy is the work of rational speculation. It is reason which, starting from a few rational principles, tries to solve the supreme metaphysical problems regarding God, the world and man. Religion does not demonstrate, but affirms. It presents itself as a proposition of wisdom, as a positive assertion expressed in the form of dogma, and does not appeal to the intellect but to the will, whose assent it requests. Religion does not require the affirmation of the will on the basis of the intrinsic rationality which appears to the intellect but because of extrinsic motives -- that is, the authority presenting the assertion. Religion, therefore, is distinguished from philosophy in that the former works on the will, the latter on the intellect. And the assent of the will, which in philosophy is justified only by reason, in religion is justified by authority. Although Christianity does not present itself as a philosophy, it presupposes a specific conception of the world and life, so that its dogmas include, on religious grounds, the solution of the greatest metaphysical problems that range from God to matter. Moreover, while Christianity is distinct from philosophy, it does not follow that the two are opposed; in fact, the indirect solution which religion gives to paramount questions in metaphysics is to be maintained as valid help to reason in its speculations. Christianity has truly integrated philosophy. Greek philosophy failed to resolve the problem of the origin of matter and that of the presence of evil. Christianity solved the first question by introducing the concept of creation: matter does not exist from eternity, but is created by God as is the whole universe. Christianity solved also the question of the presence of evil through the mysteries of the first fall of man, of the Incarnation and the Redemption. The doctrine of the first fall teaches that the first begotten man was not only exempt from physical and moral evil, but was elevated to a supernatural order with an abundant equipment of preternatural gifts. But because of the sin of pride committed by the first man, mankind was subjected to physical and moral evil. The mysteries of the Incarnation and Redemption teach that the Word of God became flesh and died upon the cross not only to pay the debt of sin contracted by mankind, but also to give God the complete satisfaction and glory of which He is worthy. Physical and moral evil still remain after the sacrifice of the cross, because everyone by suffering may take part in this sacrifice and give to God expiation for sin, and the glory of which He is worthy. Thus, Christianity claims to have solved the problems which human reason is unable to solve by itself. This is the backdrop for an understanding of medieval philosophy. II. THE EVANGELIZATION By evangelization is meant the teaching of Jesus Christ and the diffusion of his teaching by his apostles during the first century of the Christian era. Jesus Christ Jesus Christ presented himself as God-man. Admitting theism (which must be admitted, for the existence of a transcendent God is proved by reason), Christianity maintains that all prejudices against the revelation, miracles, and the divinity of Jesus Christ fall. The Divinity of Christ According to Christian doctrine, the divinity of Jesus Christ is proved: by his holy life; by the miracles he worked in confirmation of this truth; by his rising from the dead. The Doctrine of Christ Jesus Christ wrote nothing. His doctrine has been preserved in the four Gospels, and can be outlined thus: God is the Father of all men, and men are His kingdom. This kingdom, however, has been sullied by sin. Christ has the mission of restoring the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ fulfilled his mission: by preaching divine truths and working miracles; by instituting the Church, which should continue the work of redemption during time; by dying upon the cross and rising from death. According to Christian doctrine: it is the duty of every man to enter the Church established by Christ; to be unite to him, collaborating with the grace which comes from him; thus man will reach the end of his existence and be restored in the supernatural life.   To The Period of Patristic Philosophy Academy Showcase Specials Enrich Your Life With a Philosophy Book... Introduction & Directory
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