Philosophy for Christian Dummies

Why would a Christian feel the need to study Philosophy? Are not the Scriptures sufficient? The same question was asked by Terullian, "What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem?" Furthermore, the mixing of Philosophy and Christian faith has had a long history of explosive periods which are very much part of our lives today in Western society. Great care therefore should be taken when mixing them. Scripture states it simply, our thoughts are not God's thoughts, and His ways are not ours. However, philosophical tools are at times the only way to talk to an unbelieving world. Philosophy serves the Gospel well, when it serves God and not itself. The church however, must work out these "philosophical elements" within the "distinctive first principle," which is Christ Jesus her Redeemer and Lord. This book is a short synopsis of Western Philosophy for the busy minister or Bible student needing a quick summation, and a short answer to philosophical challenges.