Theology and Philosophy

I’m burning up. I’ve been studying some theology lately and it’s inspiring me. I’m reading Paul Tillich’s Systematic Theology and referring to Erickson’s Christian Theology for an overview or summary of what I read in Tillich. Tillich’s Method of Correlation is really fascinating. It’s inspiring me to study more about contemporary culture. Whether that’s Art, Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, Music or Literature, it’s putting a drive in me to learn the existential cry or concern that lies at the heart of modern -- or post-modern, rather-- American culture. Tillich basically asserts that where Philosophy develops the ultimate questions concerning existence, Theology provides the answers to such questions. So every theologian should dabble at least a bit in philosophy so that he can be aware of the questions society seeks and yearns for. I agree with this, and I really like what Erickson has to say on the subject. While he agrees with Tillich that the Theologian should rely on the Philosopher’s analysis in order to better formulate his answers, Erickson adds the warning that the Theologian should never rely on the Philosopher to the degree where the Philosopher is influencing, skewing, or marring the Christian message. In other words, the philosophical questions of what concerns us ultimately ought only to influence the form of the answers, not the content; the content is provided in Scripture and by the guidance of Spirit of Truth. I agree with that as well. Philosophy and theology should always be distinct and separate I think. They shouldn’t be silent or indignant with one another, however. They should be like old friends who often come together for a good chat now and again. There should be a continual conversation between Philosophy and Theology, and they should certainly influence each other, but the bed is off limits in my opinion.
So all this is rad and getting me pumped for college. I’m almost considering getting a very broad liberal arts degree for my undergrad so that I can get a good grasp of my culture, in order that I might come to an understanding of the questions of this society, so that I can better formulate the answers provided in Jesus Christ. IDK, just a thought.