Philosophy and Common Sense in the Theology of the Pre-Nicene Fathers

Abstract

This article provides an analysis of the early Christians’ attitude towards preChristian philosophy, understood both in the sense of “common wisdom”, considered in its connection to “common sense”, and in the sense of the “wisdom of the wise”. The commonly held and differentiating characteristics of common sense, philosophy and supernatural revelation within the thought of the pre-Nicene Fathers of the Church are identified in this study. The identification of these characteristics permits an analysis of the relationship, in the understanding of the early Christian thinkers, between Christianity and Hellenic culture. It is proposed that a contemporary debate may be advanced on the basis of the pre-Nicene understanding of the relationship between “human wisdom” and “revelation” while pursuing a dialectical and reciprocal cooperation between faith and reason.