Philosophy: A Christian Introduction

This volume presents a comprehensive introduction to philosophy from an explicitly Christian perspective, examining fundamental philosophical questions through the lens of Christian theism. Dew structures the work to demonstrate how Christian commitments inform and shape philosophical inquiry across major subdisciplines, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of religion.

The author begins by establishing the relationship between faith and reason, arguing against the common assumption that religious belief and philosophical reflection stand in opposition. Instead, Dew contends that Christian theism provides a coherent framework for addressing perennial philosophical problems. He maintains that far from hindering philosophical investigation, Christian presuppositions offer unique resources for understanding reality, knowledge, and human nature.

In metaphysical discussions, the work explores questions of existence, causation, and personal identity while integrating Christian doctrines of creation and divine sovereignty. Dew argues that theistic metaphysics provides superior explanatory power compared to naturalistic alternatives, particularly regarding questions of ultimate reality and the nature of consciousness. The epistemological sections examine how Christian revelation relates to other sources of knowledge, defending a model that incorporates both special and general revelation within a broader theory of justified belief.

The ethical portions develop a divine command theory while addressing contemporary moral issues from a Christian standpoint. Dew engages with secular ethical frameworks, arguing that objective moral values and duties require theistic grounding. Throughout these discussions, he interacts with both historical and contemporary philosophers, demonstrating how Christian thinkers have contributed to ongoing philosophical debates.

Methodologically, the work employs standard philosophical argumentation while maintaining explicit Christian commitments. Dew does not attempt to prove Christianity through purely philosophical means but rather shows how Christian belief coheres with and illuminates philosophical inquiry. This approach distinguishes the volume from natural theology projects that seek to establish theism through reason alone.

The text serves multiple audiences: Christian students encountering philosophy, philosophers interested in religious perspectives, and anyone seeking to understand how theistic worldviews engage philosophical questions. By presenting philosophy as a discipline that Christians can pursue without abandoning their faith commitments, Dew challenges both the secularization of academic philosophy and the anti-intellectual tendencies within some Christian communities. The work thus contributes to ongoing discussions about the place of religious perspectives in philosophical discourse and the relationship between confessional commitments and rational inquiry.