The objectives of this brief
introduction to metaphysics are as follows:
1. Provide a brief definition of the branch of philosophy known as
metaphysics
2. Understand the basic theological issues related to metaphysics
3. Distinguish between a Christian view of reality and a
non-Christian view of reality
4. Recognize the importance of developing a basic understanding of
metaphysics
Definition
Metaphysics is probably the most
abstract branch of philosophy. It is a highly complex field. For that reason, I
am going to commit the philosophical sin of over-simplification. Metaphysicians
will just have to show mercy and tolerance. When we are talking about metaphysics
we are talking about the nature of reality. What is this thing we call reality?
Metaphysics then is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of
being. The critical task of philosophy is to ask questions about the nature of
being, or ultimate reality. The constructive task of philosophy is to erect a
cohesive view of reality that reflects the truth about the nature of being, or
ultimate reality.
Theological Issues
As one might imagine, how one
understands the nature of ultimate reality is critical to their overall
understanding of human experience. There are numerous non-Christian theories
expressed by philosophers that seek to explain the nature of ultimate reality. The
most basic question for the Christian and the most significant theological
issue is how one defines reality. What is being? What am I? What does it mean
to exist? Why does something exist instead of nothing? These questions assume
that human beings are capable of knowing something about the nature of reality.
But if there is no creator God, then we must ask how we can know anything about
such a reality. If humans evolved from primitive life-forms which somehow came
into existence from non-life forms, as one popular theory claims, how is
knowledge of anything truly possible? If these theories are true, what happens
to thinks like value, meaning, and morality? The implications are sweeping.
William Lane Craig writes, “General
ontology is the most basic aspect of metaphysics, and there are three main
tasks that make up this branch of metaphysical study: 1) The nature of existence
itself; 2) General principles of being, general features that are true of all
things whatsoever (transcendentals); 3) Categorical analysis – which involves
classifying broad types of things we experience in reality.[1]
This would include things like dogs, color, etc. These categories of things
share common properties with one another. This brings us to the problem of the
one and the many. That subject requires more space than I can devote to it
given the basic aim of this short article.
The Distinctiveness of the
Christian Metaphysic
Only the Christian view of reality
provides the necessary foundation for the intelligibility of human experience
in the world. For it is only a distinctly Christian metaphysic that understands
the nature of reality and of the human beings existing within that reality. In
the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Christian theism claims
that the world as we know it, as we see it, as we experience is the product of
divine creation. And God created man in his image and in his likeness.
Moreover, Christian theism claims that God created man. All of reality is what
it is because God created it to be precisely what it is. The state of affairs
that has obtained in the world has obtained only because God has decreed it.
According to Christianity, God
created the universe and all that is in it. This means there is a sharp
distinction between God, who is uncreated, eternal, and absolute personal
being, and man who is created, temporal, and dependent. Man depends on God for
all that he is, including his existence, his knowledge, and his very reason for
being. According to Christianity, God controls every aspect of the universe in
accordance with his plan and for his own glory. As one might expect, this view
of reality has far-reaching implications.
The Importance of Developing a
Basic Understanding of Metaphysics
The most basic idea running through
the various systems of fallen humanity is the idea of autonomy. When Adam
rebelled in the garden so many years ago, that rebellion was a rebellion
against dependence. It was Adam’s declaration of independence. Unless a person’s
view of reality corresponds to the truth about reality, it can and does lead to
a variety of errors elsewhere in their thinking. First and foremost, the
refusal to acknowledge our complete and total dependence on God is the root of
sin and the source of all manner suffering in the world. Man was created by
God, in God’s image, for God, to reflect God’s image in creation and back to
God. Second, the failure to anchor one’s view of reality on the teachings of
Christianity leads us away from the biblical teaching of an absolute personal
Triune God of Scripture who controls the most minute details of the universe.
In other words, only a distinctly Christian metaphysic can honor God in the way
that God ought to be honored. Third, a non-Christian view of reality always
elevates man. It makes more of man than ought to made of him. The consequences
of a non-Christian metaphysic is simply this: And since they did not see fit to
acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be
done. (Rom. 1:28)
[1]
Moreland, James Porter, and William Lane. Craig. Philosophical
Foundations for a Christian Worldview. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity
Press, 2003, pgs. 175-176.
Very nice postt
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