Defending Philosophy Biblically—part 3

Defending Philosophy Biblically—part 3

There are many other sources of knowledge that also help the Christian musician develop a congruent music philosophy. I am often reminded of Jesus’ parable of the steward in Luke16:8 which states, “And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light”.  Although this parable had absolutely nothing to say about music, there is a principle in Jesus’ parable that applies to us all.  Stewardship requires getting the job done with the help of others.

I do not believe that Jesus was commending the unjust steward for his unjustness.  Jesus said in Luke 16:9, “And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.”  It is difficult to know all that Jesus was teaching in this statement, but it appears that He was saying that we can gather wisdom from people who are not Christians. However, Christians are warned in Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you [i.e. lead you astray] through philosophy (philosophia 5385) and vain deceit (kenos apate 2756 539 i.e. empty delusion), after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”