NT Overview  Week 03
NT - Philosophical And Religions Background Of The Greco-Roman Paganism

After you read  Metzger's Chapter 3 and respond to the Weekly assignment, I would encourage you to spend time reading about philosophy.

I do not agree with every idea and/or philosophy. However, I do believe the truth can stand on its own.

In a "fair fight," I believe truth will be demonstrated as truth. Just because someone knows truth, that does not necessary mean they will follow truth.

The philosophy sites which I direct you to in the assignment are not the only site nor necessarily the best or most accurate. However, you will find a wealth of information there with many links to other sites.

In the pursuit of understanding/philosophy care must be taken not to confuse a bucket of seawater with the ocean. Keep in mind that when as a kid you ran to the ocean, dipped your bucket in and came up with a bucket full of seawater, you had some of the ocean. You did not have the ocean in your little bucket.

The inquisitive mind and life finds a world of discovery in the bucket of seawater...but...the next bucket will also bring something new to discover and/or opportunity to make modifications on conclusions in the first bucket.

Because of a belief/philosophy--about knowledge, learning, education--the believer's pursuit of knowledge is limited only by their personal desire to discover. I have a sermon using a grapefruit which attempts to explain my thought on the "Unapproachable Limit of Knowledge."

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

1. The Internet has created the opportunity for individuals to take responsibility for the information they view and accept.
2. Each person MUST develop his/her own guidelines for accepting and rejection information.
3. In a free society the balance between INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM and RESPONSIBILITY reflects our true wealth.
4. Larry Magid in The Dark Side of the Web address the web, freedom, and responsibility. (Linked with permission.)

Philosophies in the 20th Century have attempted to sway the minds and lives of millions. The 21st Century may have different gadgets, but philosophies will be there trying to persuade--openly and subtly.

As you read and study this week, see if you can draw some comparisons between today and the ancient past.  It is my belief that "things have not changed all that much."

Last Updated 24 February 2000