The Fundamentals - Torrey - LXVI - Chapter 1 (Modern Philosophy)

Required reading
The Fundamentals edited by R. A. Torrey (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Volume IV by reading Chapter 1 (Modern Philosophy).

My summary
Today Mauro critiques philosophy.

Firstly he defines philosophy as 'the occupation of attempting to devise, by the exercies of the human reason, an explanation of the universe.'

Mauro then attempts to demonstrate how philosophy is anti-Christian as it is against:
(i) revelation;
(ii) Christ.

He then describes the dangers for those who embrace philosophy.

What grabbed me
I was a bit surprised with this chapter.  It seems to dismiss philosophy with a broad brush stroke as though it has nothing to offer us. 

For example, we read: 'Incidentally, a large part of the time of the philosopher is occupied in criticising and demonstrating the unreasonableness or absurdity of all philosophical systems except that espoused by himself. This, however, is merely the destructive part of his work, the constructive part being, as has been said, the employment of his reasoning faculties in the task of devising a system which will account, after a fashion, for the existence and origin of, and for the changes which appear to take place in, the visible universe. Having settled upon such a system, the philosopher must thenceforth defend it from the attacks, of philosophers of opposing "Schools" (who will put forth weighty volumes demonstrating to their entire satisfaction that his philosophical system is a tissue of absurdities), and in replying to their many and various objections and criticisms.'

Yes, a portion of philosophical teachings are against the teachings of Christianity. 

But a lot of what counts for philosophy is simply a study of God's good creation and can help us understand it better and our God better.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 2 (The knowledge of God).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.