Or (logically speaking), is it?

I preface our upcoming Christian conversation about doctrine with a caveat caution about philosophy and its pitfalls to our denominations of belief. If we are to stand near to the Lord God, man must choose in this mortal life between fruit from various trees of doctrine.

Mr. Ed & Balaam’s Ass

My opening reference of course places our thoughts in the realm of fiction. Allow me to mention that a good philosopher opposed to God will quickly offer you the fruit of fiction as explanation for various Biblical phenomena. Their underlying philosophies have been reruns for centuries.

My microchip of a philosopher’s mind is hardly sufficient to expound doctrine in depth, therefore I will defer to other more-learned men.

Philosophers must argue an issue into a mire behind the horse, a place into which I dare not lead any seeking a path back to eternal life. I’ll leave you to your own conclusions about the Scripture of Numbers 22; though philosophers may debate whether Balaam’s creature is a donkey, a horse, an ass, a mule or a burro.

(You may not want to compare creatures and contrast the jackass to the philosopher or compare an amoeba with mankind.) :)

Philosophy – the term defined

As with DOCTRINE, if we are to agree on anything let’s at least begin with a definition of Philosophy. – source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

1. all learning exclusive of technical precepts and practical arts..
2. pursuit of wisdom..
3. a system of philosophical concepts, : a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought..
4. the most basic beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group..

Synonyms for philosophy

credo, creed, doctrine, dogma, gospel, ideology (also idealogy), testament

As I indicated, an inviting quagmire into which we dare not dwell too long.

Why today?

As timely as this fits into our new series on doctrine, I chose today due to a date of one philosopher from which we will study next.

In this 21st century after Jesus Christ we must not lose the overall witness of twenty-one centuries of the church in times of various challenges to the Truth of Christ Jesus.

In the year of our Lord Anno Domini A.D. 2021

June 3 – Today in History

Historical Events in A.D. 1140

• Jun 3 French scholar Peter Abelard is found guilty of heresy.

Heresy – an ancient concept discounted today

To read the fascinating background of the twelfth century philosopher Peter Abelard whose writings we will study next, click here.

Back to arguing with Balaam

And the ass said unto Balaam,

Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee?

And he said, Nay.

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

Numbers 22:31 KJV

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