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An Introduction to Christian Philosophical Theology: Faith Seeking Understanding
An accessible introduction to Christian philosophical theology
Philosophical or analytic theology seeks to employ philosophical tools while studying topics in Christian theology and examining the logical consistency or intelligibility of some of the key doctrines of the Christian faith. In this accessible primer, An Introduction to Christian Philosophical Theology, authors Stephen T. Davis and Eric T. Yang first explain the scope, relevance, and value of philosophical theology and then applies its conceptual tools to examine each of the core Christian
Revelation and ScriptureThe TrinityThe IncarnationRedemption and the atonement,Resurrection and life after deathThe final chapter briefly addresses some additional theological issues including petitionary prayer, eschatology, and original sin.
Designed for beginning students and non-specialists this guide provides the ideal entry point for not only understanding what philosophical theology is but also for how it can provide valuable insights for how we think about the core doctrines of the Christian faith.
Philosophical or analytic theology seeks to employ philosophical tools while studying topics in Christian theology and examining the logical consistency or intelligibility of some of the key doctrines of the Christian faith. In this accessible primer, An Introduction to Christian Philosophical Theology, authors Stephen T. Davis and Eric T. Yang first explain the scope, relevance, and value of philosophical theology and then applies its conceptual tools to examine each of the core Christian
Revelation and ScriptureThe TrinityThe IncarnationRedemption and the atonement,Resurrection and life after deathThe final chapter briefly addresses some additional theological issues including petitionary prayer, eschatology, and original sin.
Designed for beginning students and non-specialists this guide provides the ideal entry point for not only understanding what philosophical theology is but also for how it can provide valuable insights for how we think about the core doctrines of the Christian faith.
- GenresTheologyPhilosophy
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2020
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49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 13, 2021
Simply terrible. I’m sad I had to finish it for class, because I would’ve abandoned it long ago. Read the introduction to Diogenes Allen’s book on Philosophy for Understanding Theology and a chapter of this book and you’ll see a dramatic, qualitative difference. Quite bluntly, this book shows the ignorance that many (most?) Christian Philosophers display when seeking to relate Christian theology to philosophy. Just one frustrating example: one of the authors states that Jesus possibly gave up any “non-essential divine attributes” in order to make sense of Jesus “emptying himself.” Given that the authors appealed to Divine Simplicity earlier in the book, I’m surprised that one author would state there is such a thing as a non-essential attribute. This is just one example of many, in every chapter, where the authors seek to explain Christian theology from a philosophical framework that seemingly pays no mind to the historical developments that came before them. That they believe there remains work to be done in the theology of Sanctification proves, in my eyes, that they’ve had virtually no interaction with the historic, Reformed tradition. I’m shocked that they thought this would be a good book for graduate students. This book will raise more confusion than help, in my opinion.
Can the Christian use philosophy in order to better articulate theology? Of course. At its best, the use of philosophy for understanding theology has served a two-fold purpose: to give a positive affirmation of the Christian faith and the doctrines expressed in Scripture, and to refute the unbelieving philosophy the Christian is “borrowing” from. The ancient church did this, and more recently we find Bavinck (who borrowed categories from Schleiermacher) and Van Til (using Idealist philosophy categories) appropriating, but not uncritically. This book seeks to introduce a Christian philosophical theology from the tradition of faith seeking understanding. I think this book failed in that desire. Read Diogenes Allen instead.
Can the Christian use philosophy in order to better articulate theology? Of course. At its best, the use of philosophy for understanding theology has served a two-fold purpose: to give a positive affirmation of the Christian faith and the doctrines expressed in Scripture, and to refute the unbelieving philosophy the Christian is “borrowing” from. The ancient church did this, and more recently we find Bavinck (who borrowed categories from Schleiermacher) and Van Til (using Idealist philosophy categories) appropriating, but not uncritically. This book seeks to introduce a Christian philosophical theology from the tradition of faith seeking understanding. I think this book failed in that desire. Read Diogenes Allen instead.
March 22, 2021
Stephen T. Davis and Eric T. Yang wrote An Introduction to Christian Philosophical Theology as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses, but they hope it will benefit readers outside academia too. As a Christian minister, I share their hope, because I see the book’s usefulness to pastors, who have the responsibility to explain and defend theological doctrines to their church members and nonreligious neighbors alike. It is to my fellow ministers that I recommend this book.
As the Davis and Yang explain it, philosophical theology “attempts to use the methodologies and conceptual resources of philosophers and apply them to theological issues.” Some pastors may think that using philosophy is either unnecessary or prohibited. Unnecessary because the Bible is sufficient to determine doctrine. Prohibited because, as Colossians 2:8 puts it, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Such pastoral reservations are understandable, but misguided. What the Bible warns against is not philosophy per se, but anti-Christian philosophy. Church history shows that theologians throughout the centuries have used philosophical concepts to explain and defend Christian doctrine since the beginning. Even John Wesley—the great English revivalist—recognized the importance of philosophy. In “An Address to the Clergy,” he asked, “Do I understand metaphysics; if not the depths of the Schoolmen, the subtleties of Scotus or Aquinas, yet the first rudiments, the general principles, of that useful science?”
Davis and Yang apply that “useful science” to six theological topics in this book:
* Revelation and Scripture (chapter 2)
* The Trinity (chapter 3)
* The Incarnation (chapter 4)
* Atonement (chapter 5)
* Resurrection and Life after Death (chapter 6)
* Heaven and Hell (chapter 7)
In each chapter, they identify the basic philosophical problems involved and outline potential philosophical solutions to those problems.
Throughout these chapters, the authors follow the motto, “Faith seeking understanding.” They “fully embrace the core tenets of traditional Christianity.” (However, they also note that “once we start thinking about and reflecting on what we believe, a whole host of questions arise.” For example, how can God be both one and three (Trinity)? How can Christ be one person with two natures (Incarnation)? “Though we will never fully understand the mystery of God and his ways,” the authors write, “we want to know as much as we can, just as lovers want to know as much as they can about their beloved.”
As befits an introductory text, the authors outline the current state of the question regarding each doctrine they address. That is to say, they define how different Christian philosophers explain the coherence of a given doctrine, showing the strengths and weaknesses of each explanation. The authors identify their preferred explanation on occasion, but their presentation of others’ views is fair-minded. Each chapter ends with a section titled “Further Readings,” a bibliography for readers who want to study a theological topic in greater depth and complexity.
Book Reviewed
Stephen T. Davis and Eric T. Yang, An introduction to Christian Philosophical Theology: Faith Seeking Understanding(Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020).
P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.
As the Davis and Yang explain it, philosophical theology “attempts to use the methodologies and conceptual resources of philosophers and apply them to theological issues.” Some pastors may think that using philosophy is either unnecessary or prohibited. Unnecessary because the Bible is sufficient to determine doctrine. Prohibited because, as Colossians 2:8 puts it, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Such pastoral reservations are understandable, but misguided. What the Bible warns against is not philosophy per se, but anti-Christian philosophy. Church history shows that theologians throughout the centuries have used philosophical concepts to explain and defend Christian doctrine since the beginning. Even John Wesley—the great English revivalist—recognized the importance of philosophy. In “An Address to the Clergy,” he asked, “Do I understand metaphysics; if not the depths of the Schoolmen, the subtleties of Scotus or Aquinas, yet the first rudiments, the general principles, of that useful science?”
Davis and Yang apply that “useful science” to six theological topics in this book:
* Revelation and Scripture (chapter 2)
* The Trinity (chapter 3)
* The Incarnation (chapter 4)
* Atonement (chapter 5)
* Resurrection and Life after Death (chapter 6)
* Heaven and Hell (chapter 7)
In each chapter, they identify the basic philosophical problems involved and outline potential philosophical solutions to those problems.
Throughout these chapters, the authors follow the motto, “Faith seeking understanding.” They “fully embrace the core tenets of traditional Christianity.” (However, they also note that “once we start thinking about and reflecting on what we believe, a whole host of questions arise.” For example, how can God be both one and three (Trinity)? How can Christ be one person with two natures (Incarnation)? “Though we will never fully understand the mystery of God and his ways,” the authors write, “we want to know as much as we can, just as lovers want to know as much as they can about their beloved.”
As befits an introductory text, the authors outline the current state of the question regarding each doctrine they address. That is to say, they define how different Christian philosophers explain the coherence of a given doctrine, showing the strengths and weaknesses of each explanation. The authors identify their preferred explanation on occasion, but their presentation of others’ views is fair-minded. Each chapter ends with a section titled “Further Readings,” a bibliography for readers who want to study a theological topic in greater depth and complexity.
Book Reviewed
Stephen T. Davis and Eric T. Yang, An introduction to Christian Philosophical Theology: Faith Seeking Understanding(Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020).
P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.
April 12, 2024
A good introduction to what is Philosophical Theology and some main topics within the discipline. This is likely one of the most neglected fields for pastors to look at. Many pastors remark that philosophy is for pagans and theology for Christians. I get the sentiment but it is severely erroneous. This book will bring parts of Christian doctrine into a greater spotlight so that we may seek to honor the Lord in all that we say and do.
On another note: I do think the authors cast too large of an umbrella for what could constitute evangelical orthodoxy at some places. Some within the Atonement theories and then within the Heaven and Hell chapter. I do not know whether this is intentional but I get this book is not made to be as assertive as other books by the authors may be. Overall it is still fairly balanced on the different theories presented and we can be grateful for that.
On another note: I do think the authors cast too large of an umbrella for what could constitute evangelical orthodoxy at some places. Some within the Atonement theories and then within the Heaven and Hell chapter. I do not know whether this is intentional but I get this book is not made to be as assertive as other books by the authors may be. Overall it is still fairly balanced on the different theories presented and we can be grateful for that.
December 29, 2024
This was a great introduction to Christian philosophical theology. The reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because it at times felt like there were too many different options thrown your way without resolution, which, for a non-philosophical mind, could produce anxiety. I enjoyed it, but non-philosophical people probably won't haha.
October 13, 2024
This book definitely presents a lot more questions than answers. The authors present a survey of different philosophical views on different doctrines. They do a good job of getting into the weeds of the arguments but still being introductory and accessible.
June 11, 2022
Pretty helpful intro.
November 14, 2023
A helpful introduction to the major philosophical questions that emerge from certain Christian doctrines. At times, I wished the authors would defend their own chosen positions more decisively.
January 14, 2024
boring, weird
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews