Thursday, January 5, 2023

Gordon Clark: Review of Christianity and Philosophy by Arthur F. Holmes (The Presbyterian Journal)

1961. Review of Christianity and Philosophy by Arthur F. Holmes. The Presbyterian Journal. 1 Mar: 19.

CHRISTIANITY AND PHILOSOPHY, by Arthur F. Holmes. Inter Varsity Press, Chicago, 39 pp. $1.25.

This well organized pamphlet begins with a description of philosophy, continues with the question, "What is Christianity?" and concludes with a comparison.

Dr. Holmes stresses the rationality of Christianity. He eschews paradoxes and contradictions; he rejects the emotionalism and mysticism that distinguishes between the head and the heart. In other words, he asserts that Christianity is the truth.

Two descriptions of philosophy are given. First, it is an attempt to frame a comprehensive world-view; second, philosophy clarifies the dominant ideas of men. From this second description he obtains an inference inconsistent with the Augustinianism he seems to admire; viz. "Religion is not to be equated with philosophy." This principle, against the author's intention, might lead to the expedient of the two- fold truth.

The IVF advertising speaks of the pamphlet as geared to the thinking university student. The pamphlet, however, is extremely elementary, as well as short, so that the advertising seems exaggerated.

—Gordon H. Clark, Ph.D.

Indianapolis, Ind.

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