The Strategies of Christian Philosophy

Abstract

In this chapter, J. Aaron Simmons argues that philosophers who are Christians now find themselves in a situation where continuing to engage in Christian philosophy, in the technical sense as laid out by Plantinga, is likely to be a problematic strategy on three fronts. Philosophically, it is problematic because it can close down potential lines of inquiry that might profitably be pursued and, thereby, lead to a problematic professional insularity. Theologically, it is problematic because it can lead to theological triumphalism and arrogance that cut against the humility and invitation found in the example of Christ. And socially, it is problematic because it can foster extremism at the level of one’s justificatory appeals. Simmons concludes by suggesting that Merold Westphal offers an approach to Christian philosophy that is well suited to the contemporary situation.