The Apostle Paul explained to the new converts concerning their deceased loved one who were Pagans: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)
This would have been good news for those whose parents and grandparents were fully dedicated to seeking God, but bad news for those whose deceased loved ones lived foolish lives.
Paul believed that the preaching of the Cross is power released. He wrote, "For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." (I Corinthians 1:23)
Truth going forth never returns to the God of Truth without having accomplished that for which it was granted. We should be as confident as St. Paul "of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
"Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." (I Thessalonians 5:24)
Paul knew the value of Greek philosophy. He used it in his argumentation. However, he also knew the limits of philosophy. Real wisdom rests elsewhere. It is the Gospel that makes us wise.
Dr. David Bradshaw, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Kentucky, explains here how philosophy fails to give us what we need to live wisely.
St. Augustine experienced that reality in in own life. Here is what he thought of the power of Truth. His Word is truth.
St. Ephrem the Syrian expressed this reality another way. He wrote, "If God had not wished to reveal Himself to us there would have been nothing in creation that would be able to say anything at all about Him." (Hymns of Faith 44:7)
The good news is that God promises to grant wisdom to true seekers who ask Him. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5)
Related reading: The Removal of Wisdom's Tongue; Today's Savage Mind; Seats of Wisdom; Paul's Application of Greek Philosophy, Truth, Not Slogans
Paul knew the value of Greek philosophy. He used it in his argumentation. However, he also knew the limits of philosophy. Real wisdom rests elsewhere. It is the Gospel that makes us wise.
Dr. David Bradshaw, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Kentucky, explains here how philosophy fails to give us what we need to live wisely.
St. Augustine experienced that reality in in own life. Here is what he thought of the power of Truth. His Word is truth.
St. Ephrem the Syrian expressed this reality another way. He wrote, "If God had not wished to reveal Himself to us there would have been nothing in creation that would be able to say anything at all about Him." (Hymns of Faith 44:7)
The good news is that God promises to grant wisdom to true seekers who ask Him. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5)
Related reading: The Removal of Wisdom's Tongue; Today's Savage Mind; Seats of Wisdom; Paul's Application of Greek Philosophy, Truth, Not Slogans
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