Abstract

Paul Moser’s many contributions to Christian philosophy include his Christ-Shaped Philosophy project. In this project, Moser calls for Christian philosophers to take seriously the authority of Jesus Christ in their intellectual pursuits. One way in which the Christian philosopher submits to Jesus Christ’s authority is by pursuing only those philosophical questions that lead one to serve and love God and neighbor. Despite Moser’s refreshing and needed perspective on metaphilosophical issues, his Christ-Shaped Philosophy is not without problems. This paper argues that Moser’s appeal to Mark 12:28-31 (the greatest commandment) unnecessarily reduces and constricts the kinds of questions Christian philosophers pursue. The paper first provides a brief summary of Moser’s metaphilosophy, particularly his discussion regarding the types of questions philosophers ask. The paper then traces out the implications of Moser’s view in Christian philosophy as well as other disciplines. Building upon the groundwork laid by Moser, the paper sets forth a more robust view of metaphilosophy in regard to the questions that philosophers pursue. This is accomplished by exploring Augustine’s view about the unity and truth within the Trinity, after which the implications on philosophical questioning are teased out. The paper concludes by setting forth a renewed call for clarifying a Christian metaphilosophy in light of Christ’s redeeming work and the reality of the Trinity.