Philosophy:
Seeking Truth
in the Light of
the Kingdom of GOD
Thinking critically, comprehensively, and fundamentally
as part of humanity’s calling in Christ.
What is Philosophy?
Philosophy, when seen as an activity of thinking, is a rational-conceptual, systematic, comprehensive, fundamental (radical), and critical way of thinking. It is not merely rational and conceptual—when we engage in philosophy, we also seek to answer the most fundamental questions about everything under the sun: things visible and invisible, external and internal, about objects and about humanity, about what is noble and what is trivial. In short, philosophy asks questions about everything.
Why Do We Need to Study Philosophy?
“Those who know their purpose in life will have greater strength to endure, regardless of the circumstances.”
— Nietzsche
First, unlike animals, humans naturally reflect on their own existence (at least during certain phases of life), whether this is viewed positively or not. So, philosophizing is like breathing, speaking, eating, drinking, and relieving oneself. You will do it consciously or unconsciously.
Second, there is indeed a good reason to engage in the activity of philosophizing: to find strong rational reasons for facing life’s hardships. Nietzsche said that those who know what they live for will be stronger in enduring whatever life’s circumstances. Since life is generally difficult and filled with much suffering, philosophy is needed to equip humanity’s children to face it with greater patience and courage.
Building on these two points, I would add why we as Christians—those who believe that God’s kingdom has come to earth through the coming, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—also need to engage in philosophy.
What Is Christian Philosophy?
A philosophy can be considered “Christian,” in my view, because it carries the distinctive characteristics of Christian hope (namely, the Kingdom of God, which is the hope of Israel and has been fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth) and is made possible by the hope received through that faith. Thus, Christian philosophy is produced by a rational-conceptual activity that continuously and critically questions everything in order to achieve a comprehensive, fundamental, and relevant understanding of reality as made possible by the coming of the Kingdom of God in the events surrounding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
The goal of Christian philosophy clearly goes beyond the apologetic purposes that initially motivated Christians to engage with ancient Greek philosophy. Christians develop Christian philosophy because philosophizing is an inseparable part of our humanity and our calling as human beings. Now, in the era of the coming Kingdom of God, we as followers of Jesus Christ possess what those who do not believe do not have.
How Is Philosophy Taught at SKC?
Penciptaan
(Creation)
Kejatuhan
(Fall)
Penebusan
(Redemption)
Pemuliaan
(Consummation)
The approach used by Sekolah Kristen Calvin is through storytelling. This makes philosophy a collection of exciting adventure stories about philosophers who have tried to change world civilization through their ideas. Some succeeded, but many also failed. These stories of philosophers are presented historically, starting from ancient Greece, through the medieval period, modern, and postmodern eras, so that students gain a broad overview of philosophical thought.
Of course, there is no such thing as neutral philosophy. That is why the starting point of philosophy education at Sekolah Kristen Calvin is the story of the Kingdom of God, grounded in the authority of the Bible: creation, fall, redemption, and glorification (CFRC). This serves as a lens through which the truths and weaknesses of each philosopher and their ideas are critically examined.
In today’s era of technological advancement, students are flooded with ideas presented before them. Like a bustling marketplace offering a variety of goods, the ideas of the world seek to tempt and captivate the minds of the younger generation.
Therefore, a proper perspective and mindset—rational, critical, fundamental, and comprehensive—are needed to evaluate every idea offered by the world. How does the school equip students with such a mindset so they can choose what is true and pleasing to God? The answer may lie in guiding children to philosophize as children of God.
Philosophy is an inseparable part of our humanity and our calling as human beings — and as followers of Jesus Christ, we possess what the world does not.
Writer: Rev. Jadi S. Lima / Anthony Salim
Encourage Your Child to Become a Christian Thinker
Critical Thinking Grounded in Faith