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Idealism, Realism, and the Bible

     Plato (428-347 B.C.) and his student Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) are two of Greek’s greatest thinkers. Plato’s thoughts have given society the philosophical framework referred to as idealism which teaches that truth and reality are found in an external and eternal ideal. His student Aristotle rejected many of the tenets formulated by his teacher and built the philosophical system called realism which teaches that reality and truth are found in the physical matter of nature. Although a discerning Christian will not embrace either philosophy wholeheartedly, he can benefit from evaluating them both on a scriptural basis. Both idealism and realism have aspects that are consistent with biblical principles and aspects that stand in opposition to them. The value of both philosophies is found in their alignment with what is revealed in God’s Word.

     Plato taught that the physical matter of the world was not reality but rather a reflection or shadow of the concept of perfect idealism. Christians see this philosophy taught in Scripture in the act of creation. Man is created in the image of the perfection of God (Genesis 1:27). Man is not God, but as an image-bearer of the Divine being, he can reflect the true Ideal and thereby accomplish the purpose for which he was created, to glorify God (Isaiah 43:21, I Corinthians 10:31). Christians also see agreement with the axiology of idealism taught in Philippians 4:8. By challenging believers to dwell on those things which possess ideal truth, honesty, justice, purity, and beauty, God reminds them that there are eternal ideals that He expects them to value.

     Even though idealism can be seen as an acceptable philosophy to the Christian, there exist problematic facets in the philosophy that discerning believers must address. In contrast to the tenets of pure idealism, God ascribes great value to His physical creation. Idealism rejects the physical, but God Himself calls His physical creation good numerous times in Genesis 1. Psalm 104:31 reminds believers the Lord rejoices greatly in His creation. Believers should follow His example and rejoice in His creation while striving to conform to the ideal He sets forth in Scripture.

     While Plato’s idealism finds truth only in an eternal ideal, Aristotle’s realism rejects the eternal ideal in favor of truth that is revealed through nature and what is observed empirically. With careful analysis, there is biblical truth to be found in the notion of realism. Psalm 19 clearly and beautifully teaches that God’s physical creation teaches truth and is valuable. This same Psalm even references human speech and language as revealing God’s truth. Matthew 5:45 references the sun and the rain as physical evidences of God’s truth as well. The Scripture clearly supports the thought that reality and truth can be found through the observation and analysis of the general revelation of God’s creation.

     Although realism can be seen in Scripture, there is also a real danger for the Christian in the wholehearted acceptance of this philosophy. The most concise argument against embracing the totality of philosophical realism is found in Romans 1:25. In this passage, Paul reminds Rome that a focus on the creation over the creator is not a biblical focus. When man bows to empiricism and embraces as real and valuable only those things he is ignoring the clear teaching of I Corinthians 4:18: this physical reality is only temporary.

     For the Christian, the Greek philosophies of idealism and realism hold value. As with any philosophical notion, they must be studied and appreciated under the authority of God’s Word. All truth is God’s truth. Those ideas found in idealism that align with Scripture can be embraced, not because of the wisdom of Plato but because of the truth of God’s Word. The tenets of realism that are taught clearly in Scripture are not right because of Aristotle’s brilliance, but because of the infallibility of the Holy Scriptures. With the Bible as the starting point, discerning believers can analyze carefully any man-made philosophy, accept those portions that are right, and reject portions which are wrong.

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