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Philosophy for Understanding Theology, Second Edition
Philosophy for Understanding Theology has become the classic text for exploring the relationship between philosophy and Christian theology. This new edition adds chapters on postmodernism and questions of the self and the good to bring the book up to date with current scholarship. It introduces students to the influence that key philosophers and philosophical movements through the centuries have had on shaping Christian theology in both its understandings and forms of expression.
294 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 1985
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332 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 25, 2014
This is a really good introduction to the major philosophical ideas that have influenced theology. Book review to come on my blog.
gone-gave-away
August 20, 2025Was real good, read most.
Got me searching for the original Diogenes, found funny stuff.
Got me searching for the original Diogenes, found funny stuff.
March 9, 2017
This is an excellent book for an introductory survey of Western philosophy from its earliest period to the present, with focus on the engagement between philosophy and theology. Allen summarizes and explains significant ideas, questions, and dynamics in clear terms. It will take some work on the part of the reader to follow the philosophy, especially in some places, but it will be worth it. I recommend this to anyone who wants to understand both philosophy and theology better.
September 16, 2015
I loved this book and the author. He did such a nice job summarizing just about everything you might want to know about Philosophy as a Christian or or student of theology. Through this book you can see which Philosophers contributed ideas that have influenced Christian thought in the more academic world. It can help you skip a mountain of reading of those authors who are more out of there minds or even anti spiritual... It is nice to see the breadth of what proud human thinkers (geniuses) who minimize God AND His Son come up with as anchors for their souls. I mean it most respectfully apart from the grace of God through Christ I would never find Him or know Him. I mean I am not nearly as smart as any of the Philosophers and so many of them never see or say one word about Jesus. This author is a rare gift as He is as smart as any Philosopher I have ever heard of AND HE DOES know and talk about Jesus. Diogenes Allen (the author) even once said something like, 'Jesus by far demonstrates in just three parables more wisdom than any of the Philosophers in the mountains of writings they have done to explain what is and why.
October 4, 2016
Very good. I've read several introductory philosophy books over the last year, each adding a different level of comprehension. This text would be best utilized at a advanced undergraduate or graduate level. In particular, the chapters on Plato and Aristotle, as well as Kant and Hegel, were especially helpful. That being the case, there were definitely some portions that required the occasional slog.
The only things I wish would have been added: subheadings to help to navigate through the text; more extensive footnotes so that the reader can jump off into deeper discussions of issues that they're wanting to know; suggested readings. It's possible some of this might be remedied by the accompanying volume that includes selections, but it would've been nice to have a little more.
I will likely be pointing this book to theology students looking to understand certain key figures in a succinct way.
The only things I wish would have been added: subheadings to help to navigate through the text; more extensive footnotes so that the reader can jump off into deeper discussions of issues that they're wanting to know; suggested readings. It's possible some of this might be remedied by the accompanying volume that includes selections, but it would've been nice to have a little more.
I will likely be pointing this book to theology students looking to understand certain key figures in a succinct way.
May 7, 2015
This book was recommended to my by Dr. Cooper, professor of philosophy at Calvin Theological Seminary. Indeed, this book did not disappoint, as the material Prof. Allen, of Princeton Theological Seminary, covers is both pertinent and to the point. From Plato to Aristotle, through Aquinas, to Kant, Hegel, Heidegger, Russel, Wittgenstein up to deconstructionism and phenomenology, Allen presents the material in the most accessible light and traces the impressions each philosophical movement had on theology in a clear and engaging manner. The sections on Plato and Aristotle, and also the section on Hegel, were most helpful for me. This book will stay on my shelf for future reference and review. Highly recommend to every student of theology.
March 21, 2016
Very good brief overview of pertinent philosophers as it pertains to Theology. At times it isn't always apparent how each philosopher's ideas affect Theology, but for the most part it is helpful.
The section on Kant is gruesome to deal with; that said, some parts read smoothly, others do not. I think he could have framed the idea in new and simple language and then aquiesce to the language of each philosopher. Overall it is a helpful introduction for going from Theology to philosophy and equipping your mind with some basic components on which you can build with further readings of any eras of philosophy.
The section on Kant is gruesome to deal with; that said, some parts read smoothly, others do not. I think he could have framed the idea in new and simple language and then aquiesce to the language of each philosopher. Overall it is a helpful introduction for going from Theology to philosophy and equipping your mind with some basic components on which you can build with further readings of any eras of philosophy.
November 27, 2015
A good read but still have some complaints. Section headings within the chapters would really ease the digestion of the material. Some chapters are really boring and read more like an introduction to philosophy, rather than philosophy for understanding theology.
Nevertheless, chapters 1-8 are excellent introductions into the thought-world in which doctrines like the Trinity were formulated. I would recommend this to anyone desiring to seriously study systematic theology.
Nevertheless, chapters 1-8 are excellent introductions into the thought-world in which doctrines like the Trinity were formulated. I would recommend this to anyone desiring to seriously study systematic theology.
June 20, 2017
Authors: Diogenes Allen and Eric O. Springsted
Year: 2007, Pages: 267, ISBN: 9780664231804
The purpose of this book, as is stated quite regularly by the author, is “to give a person the philosophy needed to understand Christian theology better, for often the lack of knowledge of some key philosophic term or concept impedes significant understanding of a vital issue.” (Pg. 71, 78). Everyone needs to know some philosophy in order to understand the major doctrines of Christianity or to read a great theologian intelligently. This is how this classic guide to the philosophical concepts that undergird Christian theology originates. Some might contest the truth of this statement, however, once one has read this book, it would be tough to, at the same time, preserve scholarly honesty and contest the truth of this statement. I have read fairly a few primers to philosophy, but this book is exceptional.
What many theology students don’t recognize (possibly due to a gulf that was created between the fields of philosophy and theology, particularly obvious in protestant theology) is that all of the great theologians were influenced by the major philosophical views of their day. The drive of this book is to elucidate those major philosophical point of views so that the student of theology will be better able to comprehend the claims of the theologians that they are studying. The author clarifies that he selected the material that is used in this book founded on the philosophy for the use of theologians.
He then seeks to explain the philosophy in question. He concentrated primarily on three important domains of theology: Theology proper, Christology and Anthropology (Pg. 11).
As such, the author is undoubtedly justified in devoting the first five chapters of this book to giving an overview and explanation of the philosophical thoughts of Plato (and Platonism) and of Aristotle (and Aristotelianism). The truth is that these two schools of philosophical thought have been behind almost every single description of Christian theology, in some way, starting with the early church, and continuing through the many church divisions and up to modern Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox thought.
An Outline of the Book:
In chapter 1 the author elucidates Plato’s views regarding the existence, source and purpose of this world. In chapter 2 the author analyzes at Plato’s views regarding the nature and purpose of man, and the reality of an afterlife. In chapter 3 the author reflects on the many diverse Neoplatonic schools of thought that influenced early Christian thinkers (and, with almost no exceptions, every one of the early church fathers). In chapter 4 the author provides a synopsis of the key views of Aristotelian thought that were known to the early church fathers up to the start of the medieval age.
In chapter 5 he reflects on the impact of Aristotle on the formation of medieval theology and the growth of scholasticism. In each of these chapters the author takes time to note some of the major church theologians who were influenced by the thought of Plato and Aristotle, and how it impacted their theology. The author devotes one chapter, chapter 6, to the views of Thomas Aquinas (considering primarily his views concerning Natural Theology), and presents the reactions of Karl Barth and A. N. Whitehead to Aquinas.
In chapter 7 the author explains some of the main shifts in philosophy and science that influenced the shifts that occurred in theology around the same time. He concentrates primarily on the impact of nominalism, humanism and the scientific revolution. His comments on humanism are most interesting, and should temper some of the false ideas that many people have concerning what humanism is. John Calvin, for example, was technically a humanist. In chapter 8 the author considers the effect of the debate between Rationalism and Empiricism, stimulated primarily by the philosophical and theological musings of Rene Descartes, as well as the effect of the Enlightenment attitude on theology.
In chapter 9 the author gives an overview of the philosophy of Kant (as well as some of those who influenced his thought), and how Kant’s philosophy affected, and continues to affect, contemporary theology. Chapter 10 looks at Hegel, and chapter 11 considers the impact of Existentialism, phenomenology and Hermeneutical philosophy on Theology. In chapter 11 the author looks at the influence of Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger, and Husserl on theology, and biblical hermeneutics.
The final chapters consider the effect of Post-modern thought on Christian theology. These chapters emphasize the works of Foucault, Wittgenstein, Derrida, MacIntyre, and Charles Taylor, and consider how these great thinkers have been creating waves in Christian theology. The summary of this book, as stated before, is to offer an overview of the main philosophical views that have affected the works of Christian theologians. This book accomplishes this purpose wonderfully. A historical fact that changed the face of philosophy and theology forever and seriously influenced such thinkers as Hume, Kant, and the philosophers engaged in the rationalist-empiricist debate.
Finally, it would be great to see this book used as a textbook in a course on this subject in theology programs. And of course, this will be a great resource for theologians and students of theology, as well as Christian apologists.
Year: 2007, Pages: 267, ISBN: 9780664231804
The purpose of this book, as is stated quite regularly by the author, is “to give a person the philosophy needed to understand Christian theology better, for often the lack of knowledge of some key philosophic term or concept impedes significant understanding of a vital issue.” (Pg. 71, 78). Everyone needs to know some philosophy in order to understand the major doctrines of Christianity or to read a great theologian intelligently. This is how this classic guide to the philosophical concepts that undergird Christian theology originates. Some might contest the truth of this statement, however, once one has read this book, it would be tough to, at the same time, preserve scholarly honesty and contest the truth of this statement. I have read fairly a few primers to philosophy, but this book is exceptional.
What many theology students don’t recognize (possibly due to a gulf that was created between the fields of philosophy and theology, particularly obvious in protestant theology) is that all of the great theologians were influenced by the major philosophical views of their day. The drive of this book is to elucidate those major philosophical point of views so that the student of theology will be better able to comprehend the claims of the theologians that they are studying. The author clarifies that he selected the material that is used in this book founded on the philosophy for the use of theologians.
He then seeks to explain the philosophy in question. He concentrated primarily on three important domains of theology: Theology proper, Christology and Anthropology (Pg. 11).
As such, the author is undoubtedly justified in devoting the first five chapters of this book to giving an overview and explanation of the philosophical thoughts of Plato (and Platonism) and of Aristotle (and Aristotelianism). The truth is that these two schools of philosophical thought have been behind almost every single description of Christian theology, in some way, starting with the early church, and continuing through the many church divisions and up to modern Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox thought.
An Outline of the Book:
In chapter 1 the author elucidates Plato’s views regarding the existence, source and purpose of this world. In chapter 2 the author analyzes at Plato’s views regarding the nature and purpose of man, and the reality of an afterlife. In chapter 3 the author reflects on the many diverse Neoplatonic schools of thought that influenced early Christian thinkers (and, with almost no exceptions, every one of the early church fathers). In chapter 4 the author provides a synopsis of the key views of Aristotelian thought that were known to the early church fathers up to the start of the medieval age.
In chapter 5 he reflects on the impact of Aristotle on the formation of medieval theology and the growth of scholasticism. In each of these chapters the author takes time to note some of the major church theologians who were influenced by the thought of Plato and Aristotle, and how it impacted their theology. The author devotes one chapter, chapter 6, to the views of Thomas Aquinas (considering primarily his views concerning Natural Theology), and presents the reactions of Karl Barth and A. N. Whitehead to Aquinas.
In chapter 7 the author explains some of the main shifts in philosophy and science that influenced the shifts that occurred in theology around the same time. He concentrates primarily on the impact of nominalism, humanism and the scientific revolution. His comments on humanism are most interesting, and should temper some of the false ideas that many people have concerning what humanism is. John Calvin, for example, was technically a humanist. In chapter 8 the author considers the effect of the debate between Rationalism and Empiricism, stimulated primarily by the philosophical and theological musings of Rene Descartes, as well as the effect of the Enlightenment attitude on theology.
In chapter 9 the author gives an overview of the philosophy of Kant (as well as some of those who influenced his thought), and how Kant’s philosophy affected, and continues to affect, contemporary theology. Chapter 10 looks at Hegel, and chapter 11 considers the impact of Existentialism, phenomenology and Hermeneutical philosophy on Theology. In chapter 11 the author looks at the influence of Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger, and Husserl on theology, and biblical hermeneutics.
The final chapters consider the effect of Post-modern thought on Christian theology. These chapters emphasize the works of Foucault, Wittgenstein, Derrida, MacIntyre, and Charles Taylor, and consider how these great thinkers have been creating waves in Christian theology. The summary of this book, as stated before, is to offer an overview of the main philosophical views that have affected the works of Christian theologians. This book accomplishes this purpose wonderfully. A historical fact that changed the face of philosophy and theology forever and seriously influenced such thinkers as Hume, Kant, and the philosophers engaged in the rationalist-empiricist debate.
Finally, it would be great to see this book used as a textbook in a course on this subject in theology programs. And of course, this will be a great resource for theologians and students of theology, as well as Christian apologists.
February 3, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. I Took my time reading and rereading some sections. It's proven to be a useful tool in my current Historical Theology class. The final chapter was too large and broad. Trying to cram 19th and 20th century thought into one chapter (with an emphasis on theological relations to philosophy) was my least favorite part. I plan to keep this book and reference it frequently.
March 19, 2013
Pretty much hated this book. The author takes 2-3 pages to say things he could have said in a paragraph. The content of the book is great. I'm hoping to find a similar book on the same topic written by someone who isn't in love with his own vocabulary.
September 13, 2012
Read this one slowly, it's pretty chunky. It's a pretty good summary of historical philosophers' influential thoughts that would have affects on Christian theology.
July 30, 2014
Good content, but difficult to wade through if you don't already have some background in philosophy.
May 2, 2015
This book helpfully relates philosophical thought to the theological issues that it impinges upon. It is organized chronologically.
March 1, 2018
This is a wonderful and challenging book, offering something of a survey of the ways in which philosophical thought has influenced Christian theology throughout the centuries. Beginning with Plato, Aristotle, and Plotinus, and continuing with Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Hegel, and others; we see how philosophical inquiry has shaped the ways in which the greatest Christian thinkers of the world have approached and applied their task. A book such as this is a helpful reminder of the enormous intellectual depth and reflection which are so foundational to sound Christian theology. While the entire volume is important, I found particularly interesting the discussion of the vast impact of Aristotle on theological reflection of the Middle Ages; the breakdown of Aristotalianism with the dawning of the Enlightenment and the rise of modern science; and the important work of the moral philosophers of our own, "post-modern" era.
February 6, 2019
This book delivers what is promised in the title. It's an important resource for the student of theology and apologetics. However, this most certainly is not an introduction to Philosophy. The reader will benefit from a basic knowledge of key philosophical terms, figures, and concepts. Also, the layout of this book is very poor. No chapter subdivisions whatsoever. The author seamlessly moves from one concept to another, from one author to another, in the same chapter, and I found myself backtracking many times to understand his transition. An updating of typesetting/layout would be a great improvement. Also, the lack of footnotes is frustrating as well, particularly if the reader desires to follow-up in the primary readings. Regardless, I highly recommend this work. The early portion, particularly Plato is a bit difficult to get through. But keep going - the middle sections of this book are pure gold.
September 3, 2023
Useful as a resource. Perhaps a little beyond the lay reader but for anyone wanting to dig further into their understanding of theology, this is a good place to start.
Allen writes the story of philosophy as just that, a story, and I actually think that makes it a little harder to understand how the philosophy helps to understand theology. What he ends up having to do is spend a lot of time threading ideas from one phase of philosophical development to the next, rather than simply explaining the various philosophies, and so he actually has little time to then connect the philosophy to theology.
Allen writes the story of philosophy as just that, a story, and I actually think that makes it a little harder to understand how the philosophy helps to understand theology. What he ends up having to do is spend a lot of time threading ideas from one phase of philosophical development to the next, rather than simply explaining the various philosophies, and so he actually has little time to then connect the philosophy to theology.
December 17, 2019
I read some of the first edition back in '98 or so, during my undergrad in theology. Then I read sections of it alongside a class I just took on modern Protestant thought. It is a good introduction to show how theological development has been impacted by various trends/concepts from philosophy. I want to reread this in totality. It is not for everyone, and assumes a fair knowledge of both philosophy and theology.
April 28, 2021
An excellent summary of the philosophical issues around debates from Plato to Hegel. Anyone interested in pursuing theology should add this book to their shelves as Allen offers definitions to philosophical ideas, reasons why certain philosophy is in Christian Theology, and a clear reasoning through the different camps. Every Bible Student should have this book on their shelves.
March 25, 2025
It’s a great summary, but I find by it too long. I also think it’d be great to have very concise summaries after each chapter or, perhaps better, at the end of the book. I have little memory of which ideas go with what philosophers.
December 11, 2017
A good breakdown of the connection between theology and philosophy. It was a heavy read.
February 1, 2021
For what it is worth....I agree with him on his sweeping intro to the history of Philosophy and its impact on the world.
Read
September 9, 2022Read for seminary. An overview of the different philosophies that have influenced Christianity over the centuries. Especially interesting were the impacts of postmodernism on theological study.
May 23, 2015
Recommended to me by my professor of Systematics as part of my preparation for the philosophy module of my comprehensives. The third rung on my ladder.
July 3, 2021
I just finished "Philosophy for Theology," by Allen.
His portion on Kierkegaard was interesting but otherwise it was painful.
His portion on Kierkegaard was interesting but otherwise it was painful.
September 10, 2008
a must read one for beginners..
Read
March 18, 2019Brilliant and insightful sweep of philosophy's movements through the ages and how those movements have influenced or shaped theology. This book has helped me desire to grow in my understanding and knowledge of philosophy, not so that my theology will become sharper, but so that my insight into history will become deeper and my ability to discern current philosophical systems (and their roots) will become greater. All 'round a greatly beneficial introduction to and an appetite-whetting for philosophy.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews