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THE REFLECTIONS OF A PHILOSOPHER

Francis Schaeffers Volume One of The Complete Works1 is a treasurebrimming with bounds of insight and understanding that will enlighten your soul, harness your mind, and stir you for personal application. I regard Schaeffer as one of the finest Christian thinkers I have ever encountered. He is an intellectual whose brilliance did not cast upon the worlds glories, but chose to emit the light of Christ to those perishing in sins disparity. Though some may consider his writing to be at times difficult to comprehend, I urge you to be active readers; do not be discouraged, but continue in digesting the ideas he conveys. God has given Schaeffer riches to share and these are beneficial, most especially to those who belong in the faith. There is much I would like to address in Volume One, but as this is an article, I will only discuss a collection of quotes. Moreover, it would be imprudent for me to try and condense the entire volume in a simple renderingthis would not give Schaeffer any justice. Firstly, it is important to provide some modest information to what Schaeffer describes as the line of despair. The condition of being above the line was when people, or society in general, were living with their romantic notions of absolutes.2 This means society had a clear understanding that there were certain truths, such as knowledge of what was considered right and wrong. To Schaeffer, this situation of being above the line was Europe before 1890 and the United States before 1935. In correlation, Europe went below the line of despair after 1890 and United States after 1935. This condition of being below the line was when man thinks differently concerning truthresulting in a lack

The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer: A Christian Worldview, Volume One, A Christian View of Philosophy and Culture, 1982.
2

Ibid., 8.

of absolutes and antithesis, leading to pragmatic relativism.3 The erosion of definite answers leaves society in a more complicated state of existence, in which an every-man-for-himself OR you-do-what-isright-in-your-own-eyes mentality thrives. Schaeffer goes to further detail by analyzing the numerous steps in the line of despair, the first being philosophy. The influence of thought is powerful, and it is in the places and institutions of learning that are of supreme importance, if you desire to change a generation. You see, such is the way in which many things beginin mere thoughts and ideas. Unfortunately, the consequences of these ideas can alter our reality for the worse. When Satan rebelled against God, he began with a thoughtthe thought that he was beautiful and should be worshiped like God.4 Hegel (1770-1831), the German philosopher, is regarded as the man to open the door into the line of despair. Before his time truth was conceived on the basis of antithesis.5 Antithesis is now replaced by synthesis, which is modern mans approach to truththe conclusion that all possible positions are relativized.6 The essence of antithesis is to help define things in meaning and identity because of contrasts. For example, Schaeffer asserts that in morality, if one thing was right, its opposite was wrong. This little formula, A is A and If you have A it is not non-A, is the first move in classical logic. If you understand the extent to which this no longer holds sway, you will understand our present situation.7 In other words, we now have a problem in which a clear definition of truth is eradicated; everything is now relative. What truth is for me may not be truth to you; so then, what is truth? How

Ibid., 8, 11. Ezekiel 28: 11-17, Isaiah 14:12-15

The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer: A Christian Worldview, Volume One, A Christian View of Philosophy and Culture, (1982), 13.
6

Ibid., 14. Ibid., 6.

can you be sure something is really true? What kind of morals and issues can this alteration ensue? The reprocussions of this catastrophic affair has breed much confusion and compounding perplexities that post generations, especially our own, continue to struggle with. Schaeffer proceeds by naming Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) as the first man below the line of despair. Kierkegaard is the father of all modern thinking who led the conclusion that you could not arrive at synthesis by reason.8 Schaeffer speaks of other philosophers and ends his assessments by stating, When we speak of being under the line of despair, we do not mean that these people necessarily sit down and weep, but that they have given up all hope of achieving a rational unified answer to knowledge and life.9 Our next topic of discussion is art, for as Schaeffer indicated, If it is true that philosophy, the first step in the line of despair, touched only a few people, art, the second step, influenced very many more as we enjoy these pictures of art, appreciating their composition, their use of color and all other things to admire, we must also see their place in the second step.10 He analyzes the works of such men as Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Picasso. Art is a means of expression that always has its good share of admirers and critics. With Schaeffer, he did not merely gaze and utter his opinions about ones masterpiecehe sought after the heart and soul who expressed it. Schaeffer engages in explaining why certain pieces of art, most particularly those belonging to the modern era, appear so vastly different from those of the past. Whereas before, one could easily recognize humans and animals, modern works are more skewed and ambiguous in appearance, sometimes requiring much effort in deciphering where a human face is. While the world gazes upon their artistic works, many fail to see the brokenness of these men who have reached the point of
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Ibid., 15. Ibid., 23. Ibid., 27.

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despair. Of paintings, in particular, Schaeffer ponders upon the great tragedy that so many who look on and admire really do not understand. They are influenced by the concepts, and yet they have never analyzed what it all means.11 Though some may explain these modern productions as creative experiments by artists, Schaeffer offers a more profound and grim rationalization: modern man has a sense of loss. The optimism in mankind has been replaced with emptiness and gravitates to the belief that he is nothing.12 Since there is an absence of absolute truth and everything is now relative, their art reflects the confusion, loss of communication, and chaos this perception entails. Moreover, modern men have faced realities and undergone experiences, which prior generations have yet to realize. An example of this is in the belief that a type of utopian society could be established, if certain social-political conditions were arranged. History, of course, has proven that such arrangements have failed. In conclusion to art, Schaeffer offers this despondent, but relevant analysis:

These paintings, these poems, and these demonstrations which we have been talking about are the expression of men who are struggling with their appalling lostness. Dare we laugh at such things? Dare we feel superior when we view their tortured expressions in their art? Christians should stop laughing and take such men seriously. Then we shall have the right to speak again to our generation. These men are dying while they live; yet where is our compassion for them? There is nothing more ugly than a Christian orthodoxy without understanding or without compassion.13 I cannot but stress the grandeur of this insight! It is with much embarrassment that I too am guilty of such ignoranceof such arrogance! I recall how during my previous visits to the San Francisco

11

Ibid., 31. Ibid., 219. Ibid., 34.

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Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), I had mocked certain contemporary works which I perceived to be overly bizarre. Although there were intricate pieces in SFMOMA I admired, and though I favored artistic styles such as pointillism and impressionism, and sympathized artists like Vincent van Gogh (my favorite being Starry Night), I nevertheless laughed and dejected the kind of art I should have been paying the most attention to. A sympathetic outlook should not be limited to museums and paintings, but in all forms of art, like music, style of dress, tattoos, etc. In the museum, I perceived several creations to be absurd, but I was, in fact, the most senseless among them. I had no remorse until I realized what Schaeffer had unveiled. His words hit me to the core because he had spoken of me. These artists were menindeed talented menand I was the imprudent Christian so foolish to criticize and laugh at their brokenness. Another subject that Schaeffer undertakes is Christian living and Biblical truth. Of such, he states: If we do not preach these things, talk about them to each other, and teach them carefully from the pulpit and in the Christian classroom, we cannot expect Christians so to act. This has always been important, but it is especially so today because we are surrounded by a world in which personality is increasingly eroded. If we who have become Gods children do not show Him to be personal in our lives, then in practice we are denying His existence.14 This passage ought to bring Christians to their knees in deep personal reflection. His statements cannot speak further from the truth, for there is an apparent erosion of Christian living and standards, both in America and overseas. Indeed, I too am guilty of my fair share, to which sins I have reaped a bitter fruit and greatly suffered from its consequences. Nevertheless, I give eternal gratitude to my Lord Jesus Christ, who removes our iniquities and offers victory to start anew! It is because of His grace and mercy we can continue to receive His love and guidance. As children of God, His will and direction
14

Ibid., 173.

should encompass all aspects of our existence. Thus, it should be of great concern to us that Christianity today, or should I say, Christians today make a habit in setting boundaries and compromises to godly living. The saints of God justify their decisions of when and where their beliefs should be practiced. This behavior seems rampant in recent times; perhaps it is because holy living is not properly taught in our churches and in our homes? Perhaps it is due to our own stubborn choices to delight in the pleasures of the world, without regard to what we have heard? Maybe we justify our ungodly behavior with the coinciding norm that holy living is not emphasized and applied by our leaders. Whatever the cause, the effect has produced a population labeled as Christians who stain their witness, make fellow believers stumble, and induce the world to question their testimony. Pertaining to these matters, there are certain types of Christians I would like to discuss. The first type is the one who truly considers himself a Christian, but no one else really knows. In general, his Christianity is masked in secrecy, unless he decides to occasionally reveal it. It is not really his intention to hide it, but he often does not see the need or the urge to promote it. His testimony may have vanished in subtle ways; he may have been carried away with all the happenings and business of life that his conversations and actions revolve around everything, except God. Perhaps the only recollection nonbelievers have of his Christianity is that he prays before he eats. Or more disturbingly, he may choose not to reveal he is a follower because of the apparent sins in his life. An incident that certainly proved I was not up to par with my Christian living was when I met up with a friend from college. During the course of our dinner conversation, I had lightly mentioned one of my Christian views. This revelation left us both in shock: she being in shock that I was a Christian and I in shock that she never knew. I weakly smiled as I confirmed my identity, and quickly tried to hide all the anger, hurt and shame I felt. Since childhood, I always made it a point to talk about God to my friends, but as I grew older, this endeavor waned, until one day I was confronted with just how far removed God

was from my life. It was appalling to realize how far I strayed. How could shewho took classes with me, majored in the same course, and graduated the same yearnot know I was a Christian?! Moreover, even if I had not mentioned I was a Christian, there was nothing about me that made her think I was differentthat Christ is in my life! She could not distinguish me as someone who was uncommon from the world. Of course the failure was not her, but entirely on me. In practice, I was living as if Christ did not exist. Looking back, my life during that period is not something I am very proud of. Although I was attending one of the most prestigious universities in the country, my spiritual life was sinking in the shadows. The worst part was that I thought my Christian life was fine and the sins I committed were probably not so bad, since there seemed to be no immediate consequences; it looked like I was getting away with whatever sins I engaged in. How unwise it was for me not to heed the Scriptures warnings. Thus, in retrospect, I would have reacted the same way as my friend did, because in repute of my godly living, I failed in many ways. Another type of Christian in majority today is one who boldly proclaims all the delights of the Bible, so as to leave no doubt of his desired association. From afar, these Christians seem persons to be entitled as giants among believers. They may hold positions in our churches or may engage in numerous good works that win praise within our circles. In fact, they should be honored for all the undertakings they do for God. However, once you become more familiar and acquainted with them, all is not as rosy as it appears. Amid the accolades, these believers hinder the witness of Christ in a detrimental way, though they would never see it as such. Generally, they may live according to Christian principles, but the lifestyles and behaviors they cling to confuse the world. Christians should be light bearers, and our identity should be as clear as white is from black, not lurking among the grey. The Lord made mention of this by saying to be either cold or hot, not lukewarm.15 Christians should not cling to
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I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarmneither hot nor oldI am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)

old sinful ways, but be transformed into His likeness.16 To live in grace and not under the law does not give us the liberty to freely act in whatever manner we please. As your Savior, Christ washes away your sins, but the Apostle Paul reminds us not to abuse the grace and forgiveness we receive.17 He urges us to embrace lives worthy of our calling and not to compromise our standards. Christians should not be participating in questionable activities and habits such as drinking alcohol, cursing, smoking, or going clubbing. There are numerous lessons and books exhausted in providing sufficient answers, but an important thought to consider is if God, who is the embodiment of holiness and purity, approve His people to delight and divulge themselves in the ways of the world? Would He be jubilant if Christians (saved through the sacrifice of His One and Only Son) spend an evening at a club, an atmosphere where lust is promoted and senses are heightened to arouse the wiles of the flesh? Can Christ be exalted when you lose control of your sensibilities as you devour alcoholic beverages, and in practice, promote an activity that had brought so much sorrow and destruction to so many lives? The truth is, the world is watching, whether we realize it or not. Some may opt to watch us with their peripheral vision, but they are still watching and making assessments, nevertheless. An illustration of this is a conversation I had with a young educated man who enjoyed working out in the gym. He told me he often exercises with a conservative friend, who he referred to as a Christian, in a more universal definition of that term. His friend did not drink alcohol and was conservative in his relationships with women. However, he tarnishes his persona because of an engrossed passion he has for cursing. The
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Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will ishis good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV) And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or dont you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6: 1-4 (NIV)

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young man confessed his friends portrayal is both puzzling and comical, knowing how religious he is, and yet, he constantly curses without regret. I hope this is not the type of Christianity others see in us a testimony that results in confusion and ridicule. I believe an epidemic in Christianity today is the over emphasis of Gods gentle attributes, such as His love, faithfulness, and promise of blessing. These are cheerful and sweet messages that people are eager to hear, and they are extremely significant in every way, but a balance must be kept; the whole counsel of God must be taught. Christians must learn from their pastors and leaders about the foundations of the faith, the Lords purity, discipline, and what He demands from His people. God is our Heavenly Father, but He is also Ruler, mighty in power and clothed in majesty. He does not tolerate sin, his wrath is terrifying, and He promises to judge and condemn accordingly. God said judgment will begin in the house of the Lord and we must be ready to stand before Him on that great day.18 Teaching Christians only feel-good, rainbow-like messages is like feeding kids merely candy, ice cream, and cupcakes. They become weak and malnourished. Christians must be spiritually feed with all the solid truths of Gods Word, so that they may stand strong against temptation, praise Him despite adversity, and boldly confront the attacks of the roaring lion.19 Our enemy is fierce and he will not show you any mercy. Living in this flawed world and battling with the flesh, it is inevitable we will sin. No one is perfect, except Christ. It is only through His redemption and strength that we can overcome our struggles. Men are weak, which is why constant reminders are vital to our spiritual growth and wellbeing. Knowing this, God gave the Israelites firm instructions about his commandments:

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For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

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Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.20

As Christians, we ought to emulate the same commitment and seriousness in applying Biblical truths. Be assured, our Heavenly Father will help us walk that straight and narrow road; we just need to be willing to walk it. In closing, I think it appropriate to devote some final thoughts on philosophy, the academic course Schaeffer held most dear. Sadly, there is a strained relationship between philosophy and Gods people, to which Schaeffer laments the consequences thereof:

Christians have tended to despise the concept of philosophy. This has been one of the weaknesses of evangelical, orthodox Christianitywe have been proud in despising philosophy, and we have been exceedingly proud in despising the intellect. Our theological seminaries hardly ever relate their theology to philosophy, and specifically to the current philosophy. Thus, students go out from the theological seminaries not knowing how to relate Christianity to the surrounding world-view. It is not that they do not know the answers. My observation is that most students graduating from our theological seminaries do not know the questions.21 The study of philosophy should be considered imperative for Christians as any other relevant course of study. For believers to cast aside what they deem disruptive or overly wearisome to comprehend can bring about harmful results. It should be evident that the vast knowledge and
20

Deuteronomy 6: 7-9 (NIV)

21

The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer: A Christian Worldview, Volume One, A Christian View of Philosophy and Culture, (1982), 279.

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awareness Schaeffer contributed in his works are monumental proofs of how much philosophy can impact and affect Christendom. Understanding the views of past and present generations is vital to our witness, as it will avoid crippling us from recognizing what haunts the world. The answers Christians provide will always be the same, for they are based on a never changing GodHe is the Alpha (Beginning) and the Omega (End).22 Jesus Christ will forever be humanitys only remedy. Christians just need to realize the variations, complexities, and meanings of the questions that derive from this changing worldso that like Francis Schaeffer, they may beacon out Gods constant, everlasting truths.

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Digitally signed by N.I. Venia Date: 2011.10.06 22 11:18:31 Revelation 21:6 -07:00 Reason: I am the author of this document