Chapter 4 – Religion: The Intertwining of Philosophy and Religion in Western Tradition
In this chapter, the intertwining of philosophy and religion in the Western tradition is discussed. It is noted that philosophers have often been associated with atheism, but the reality is quite different. Throughout history, philosophy and religion have been closely intertwined, with many philosophers having religious beliefs central to their philosophy. Both philosophy and religion share similar goals in seeking answers to life’s “Big Questions” and have sometimes been hard to distinguish from one another.
The chapter delves into the historical relationship between philosophy and religion, highlighting the connection between the two before the Enlightenment. It emphasizes that philosophers and religious believers both engage in discussions about how to live.
Various influential philosophers from different periods are introduced, shedding light on their interactions with religion. The philosophy of Plato is discussed, with a focus on the idea of becoming like God as a way of life. Plato’s dialogues are referenced to illustrate how his descriptions of philosophy and wisdom resemble out-of-body experiences, with a long tradition of interpreting his work as discussing mystical knowledge about reality and God.
Aristotle’s “metaphysics” is mentioned, noting that he referred to it as “theology.” Prior to Plato and Aristotle, the pre-Socratic philosophers speculated about the nature of God or the gods, with examples such as Thales claiming that “all things are full of gods” and Pythagoras teaching his followers to believe in reincarnation and engage in mystical practices.
The Stoics’ belief in a universe guided by divine Logos is also highlighted, with a note on the Greek equivalent of the divine “Word” of God. The chapter discusses how the division between philosophy and religion in Western culture sharpened following the Enlightenment, contrasting with the more intertwined relationship in other cultures.
Overall, the chapter offers a comprehensive overview of the historical interplay between philosophy and religion, demonstrating how these two fields have historically influenced and intertwined. It provides insight into the religious beliefs and philosophical perspectives of influential figures, highlighting the complex and evolving relationship between philosophy and religion in the Western tradition.
