Emptiness or fullness
Colossians 2:8-10
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
I like that…not just the fullness, but “the whole fullness of deity” (v. 9). Not a subtle guy, are ya, Paul?
The beloved apostle contrasts “philosophy and empty deceit” (v. 8 ) with “the whole fullness of deity” and our having been “filled in [Christ]“ (vv. 9-10). Once again, we are reminded not to be held captive by reasoning that is “not according to Christ” (v. 8). We should not be enamored by philosophy that leads us away from the revelation of Christ in the Bible. If we truly are captivated by Christ, then why would we be hoping to gain answers or beliefs from these human teachings? They are deceiving, and they are empty of truth. But we have been filled in Christ, to whom all earthly authority and reasoning must submit.
Often, I find the latest academic trends regarding creation, man, and God to be intellectually tempting. They usually make so much sense! Yet they will in short order be replaced by the next great thing, while Christ will remain steadfast, a solid rock.
Posted on October 3, 2007, in Reflections and tagged Bible, Colossians, philosophy, reason. Bookmark the permalink. 3 Comments.
All Paul is teaching you is blind faith, to be unquestioning sheep. To believe what you are told. You have no truth, just faith. If philosophy is deceiving, why did your early church fathers take so much from Aristotle ?
Just to clarify:
“We should not be enamored by philosophy that leads us away from the revelation of Christ in the Bible.”
…Some people are just plain looking for a fight.
Forest,
Certainly you can make a case for your position; there is another case to be made however. You will find that some of the greatest thinking in Western civilization flourished precisely because of Christianity. Whether in political theory, philosophy, scientific inquiry–whatever the realm–it has been Christians or those set free by the Christian ethos who have meed the most potent and liberating contributions to mankind. I would also respectfully ask you to consider that your position is one of faith, and that most of what you have come to know you have accepted unquestioningly (I won’t use the “sheep” disparagement).
Engaging in respectful discourse,
Bill