Practical
Christian Philosophy

St. Paul writes “…do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your minds” (Romans 12.2)

 

Philosophy means ‘love of wisdom’.

All genuine philosophy is concerned not just with ideas but with formative practice.  It is a path or way of life which seeks the conditions for optimum human flourishing.

 

The Greek philosophical tradition has deep roots in the Ancient Near East.  In the Hebrew bible we read: ‘Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.  Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you” (Proverbs 4).  This wisdom is not just an intellectual pursuit: the builder, the artisan and the skilled singer all embody wisdom.

 

In the 2nd century after Jesus, early Christian apologists described their faith both as ‘the way’ and ‘the true philosophy’.  In the monastic schools of the desert, this way of wisdom was seen as comprising three interwoven strands: praxis, theoria and gnosis (which correspond approximately to body, soul and spirit).

 

Many centuries have passed but transformative wisdom remains an absolute concern, perhaps now more than ever.  Opportunities exist to explore this with others, reflecting honestly on our own lived experience, sharing some simple practical exercises and forms of contemplative prayer, meditating on texts of mystical theology and journeying beyond knowing and unknowing in the paths of infinite desire.