lOMoARcPSD|21126671
Philosphy Essay - prof Gibson - got ok grade, would
suggest adding more detail. He is a hard grader
Philosophy and Contemporary Ideas (Liberty University)
lOMoARcPSD|21126671
Olivia Yetter, Philosophy 201 – 003
I have read the entirety of the book Love God with All Your Mind: The role of the reason
in life of the soul by J.P. Moreland. The book is a careful and critical examination of the
command to love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all you mind as
directed by Christ (Matthew 22:37). The content of the book, split into three chronicled parts
detailing the importance of a Christian mind, how to be mature minded, and what that looks like.
Centuries ago, there was a strain on the Christian mind. Two philosophers by the names of
David Hume and Immanuel Kant, believed and worked to prove that God cannot be experienced
outside of a humans five senses and due to humans limited knowledge, therefore God does not
exist. From that, the theory of evolution known as Darwinism evolution was developed. The
theory created a period of isolation and left Christians with no real grasp of what they believed,
or what understanding they ought to have about God. Every clear thought from the Lord and
purpose given becomes a clouded mess of confusion when confidence and reason in the Lord is
questioned. He gives us the ability to think in a way that represents reality the way it is, and to
have awareness, form beliefs, and have the capability to achieve things. The purpose of a
Christian’s life is to bring honor to God. In order to bring that to fruition, it is important to
empty yourself, seek to be selfless, admit to problems, practice spiritual disciplines, and strive
for a life built on truth. The absolute truth is Christ and that comes with a price. When striving to
live in the truth every day, the willingness to constantly seek after it and stand up for truth even
if it is unpopular is required. Evangelism and apologetics help us stand up for that truth when
our knowledge of the truth is firm. Christ commands those who love Him to make disciples of
all nations (Matthew 28:16-20).
This task takes on the big questions of Christianity which the book as a whole
successfully describes. Philosophy is the investigation of the important foundational questions
and beliefs in life concerning truth and meaning. As Christians our meaning and reasoning
-known as absolute truth, is found in Christ with the knowledge we receive from the Father about
the Father and the Son. Written in a devotional and suggestive context, this book allows for the
careful evaluation of philosophical differences between absolute and relative truth. The universe
had a beginning, but often is asked what is that beginning. Where did it come from? Does God
exist or not? The author outlines the arguments that have presented a defense for the existence of
God and their philosophical backings to prove as evidence for their truth. Two common
arguments are often brought up for the defense of Christ. The “Moral Life Argument” suggests
that evil provides evidence for Gods existence because without there being an example for how
things should be we would not be able to understand the best way to live as directed by God the
Father and therefore our moral beliefs are founded in Him. The “Design Argument” exemplifies
the idea that certain facts have characteristics that prove intelligent design rather than impersonal
causes and laws of nature. Apart from these arguments there is historical and resurrection
evidence believed by most philosophical scholars that is described throughout the book. It is
widely believed that the disciples saw the resurrected Christ and nothing done to them could
change their story, evidence of the accuracy of the New Testament, upheld oral tradition, as well
as archeological details has confirmed the accuracy of the Gospel. Relative truth is everything
relative to the person, bound by reasoning of nature, however as found in this book based off the
evidence and belief we hold in Christ, our only truth is the absolute truth of Jesus Christ. To
understand the Father is to know Him and only then can we be certain of His ultimate truth and
find victory in Him. Philosophy and Christianity go hand in hand in developing our beliefs about
the Father and provide the skills necessary to defend those truths.
