Allison Rollins: Blog 3

Allison Rollins

Mrs. Wilhelmus/Wagener

AP Language

5 August 2013

Christianizing Philosophy

            During the Middle Ages, a majority of the population were Christians, so philosophy often angered many people, and caused much turmoil. As a result, philosophers found it very difficult to please people with some of their claims on philosophy. In order to please the people, many philosophers had to twist around many of their philosophical claims with the teachings of Christianity. Aquinas Christianized the teaching of Aristotle just like St. Augustine Christianized the teachings of Plato. Before this point in history, philosophy and Christianity had never crossed paths in particular areas.

            The reason many philosophers attempted to Christianize philosophy was because many Christians were often upset about many philosophical truths. In addition, the philosophers did not like the idea of not being supported by the people. St. Augustine and Aquinas had to demonstrate their ideas in a way that would satisfy Christians, but also defend their conclusions they made in the beginning.

            When Christianity and philosophy finally crossed paths, many people were very satisfied. Christians were no longer upset because what they believed was now woven into philosophy. I feel that St. Augustine and Aquinas had a twisted way of doing this, though. It completely changed the way of philosophy. Philosophy is based on reasoning and values, where as Christianity is based on the teachings in the Bible and a person’s spirituality. In the end, philosophy can go a long way, but only to a certain point before spirituality and beliefs are in control.