1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
Philosophy has its place and use but it cannot and should not replace revelation. The problem arises with the definition of revelation. What type of revelation supersedes human reason and what can we know about this revelation? There is “general revelation” that comes through nature and reason. This type of revelation is available to anyone who is willing to observe. Observation is the key to the sciences. If our world view and theology are built on observation only, then we are fools before God. as Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'”
Paul writes about a different type of revelation, what theologians call “special revelation.” It is special because it comes from God and is not available simply through observation. The most special of the special is on full display on the cross. Jesus’ death and resurrection demonstrate the depth of God’s love and grace towards us. It includes all the past, present, and future experiences of this love and grace. It is not something philosophers or scientists can understand and investigate. It comes down to a matter of faith and acceptance.
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