Philosophy and Theology are two different ways of reaching the truth. They are two distinct perceptions of reality. Philosophy doesn’t ascribe to any authority. It challenges every notion it encounters. Relentlessly, it raises questions with no reverence for any divinity. Nothing is sacred in its domain. Nothing is too prestigious. There are no boundaries. There are no red zones. Anything can be questioned, challenged, denied, refuted, and scrutinized. It is the ideal home for critique. It gives birth to skeptics, agnostics, and atheists. It is a comfort zone for liberals but an uneasy ride for traditionalists.
As in Science, “how” is very important, in Philosophy, “why” has a lot of significance. Philosophers like to dig deep into the mysteries of life. They love the freedom of thought. They prefer free, open, dynamic, and broadminded societies where Education plays a pivotal role in people’s actions. They adore a culture of art, literature, and science where humans attain self-actualization. They shun the attitude in which originality, creativity, innovation, and discovery are thwarted. In Philosophy, the basic underlying assumptions on which thought structures are usually built are revisited and reconstructed. Norms of ethics and morality are seen with critical lenses. The pursuit of intellectual elevation has immense weight. Here, the human mind is the ultimate tool for seeking knowledge. Wisdom is equated with what benefits this world to the fullest.
Philosophy and Theology
Theology or religion, on the other hand, clings to a belief in a Supreme Authority that cannot be challenged. We can certainly raise questions but with a lot of respect for the Divine Being. Some things are too sacred and if we mock them, we can be guilty of blasphemy. We have our boundaries for thinking and sometimes, we have to make a leap of faith to be convinced. Critique is only in response to disbelief. It gives birth to believers, mystics, saints, sages, apologists, and fundamentalists. It is a safe zone for conservatives while the skeptics are misfits.
In Religion, “who” is saying “what” has sheer importance. Religious thinkers also engage in diagnosing life’s mysteries but they are easily convinced because of strong faith in scripture rather than history. They find freedom in slavery to God. They prefer societies where people’s actions are inspired more by piety, sincerity of intention, and righteousness. Their reliance is on self-purification.
Art, literature, and science, instead of being independent dimensions of existence, are seen as ways to know and serve the Almighty. Any novelty is welcomed as long as it is not in contradiction to what has been revealed above. Religion also revisits and reconstructs structures of thought but in its own way i.e. to replace secularism. Ethics and morality are judged by the standards set by prophets who were the flagbearers of greatness. Intellectual progression is never discouraged but the role of reason is to serve and unveil revelation. Here, the heart has precedence over the mind in attaining enlightenment. Wisdom is that which benefits the hereafter as this world is only a transitory phase.
