Question: From the readings in your textbook, you have learned about Plato, Aristotle and other
philosophers within the Greek culture. Some people say, “We should not study and learn about
the secular philosophies taught by the Greeks because they are not Christian-based.” Do you
agree or disagree with this statement? Give specific reasons why you have come to your
conclusions by citing specific philosophies. Remember to cite your sources if you use any.
(275–350 words)
Some people say, “We should not study and learn about the secular philosophies taught by the
Greeks because they are not Christian-based.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This is a statement that has no right or wrong answer; however, for me I would say that we
should study secular philosophies that are taught by the Greeks. There is nothing wrong with
expanding one's knowledge, and finding your own footing when it comes to certain things. One
thing I would have to say though is that you would want to have a foundation before entering
secular philosophies. It is not something that is easy to understand for everyone, and by having a
foundation it will further aid you along your studies of secular philosophies. Plato who was an
Athenian philosopher says “For there were no days and nights and months and years before the
heaven was created, but when he constructed the heaven he created them also. They are all parts
of time, and the past and future are created species of time, which we unconsciously but wrongly
transfer to eternal being, for we say that it ‘was,’ or ‘is,’ or ‘will be,’ but the truth is that ‘is’
alone is properly attributed to it, and that ‘was’ and ‘will be’ are only to be spoken of becoming
in time, for they are motions, but that which is immovably the same forever cannot become older
or younger by time, nor can it be said that it came into being in the past, or has come into being
now, or will come into being in the future, not is it subject at all to any of those states which
affect moving and sensible things and of which generation is the cause.” Within our world things
are constantly changing, and everything has potential to be demolished. Now when placed on a
biblical standpoint it is important to be able to identify the truth from what is not true. By having
at least a basic understanding of secular philosophies or any other text for that matter will help
one find the truth. Not everything will hold keys to the truth for everyone, or help strengthen
their foundation or connect them closer to Christ, but some secular philosophies could hold the
keys to finding the truth and connection that people search for.
