All the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge
Christian Conviction in a Controversial Culture: Paul's Letter to the Colossians
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If the internal integrity of any church is the result primarily of its integration and instruction in love, then the external viability of the church is the result primarily of understanding, wisdom, and knowledge in the congregation. Facing the moral confusion and the philosophical theorizing of this world, and being required to distinguish between various ethical values and to differentiate between diverse rationalistic speculations, a church must not only be well integrated but also intelligently strong in its encounter with the unconverted. Otherwise it will be defenceless – as churches often are – and probably compromise – as they often do. If they cannot defend their own beliefs, they probably have no sufficiently well-defined beliefs to defend.
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About the Book
This book is an exploration of Paul’s letter to the Colossians and, in particular, a consideration of the distinction the apostle makes between philosophy that is “after the traditions of men” and thinking that is “after Christ.” Its purpose is to promote serious interest in searching out “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in” Christ. And this, it is proposed, provides the foundation for true Christian morality and sociology, which are prerequisites for a godly culture and essential if Christians are to communicate intelligently and effectively to the contemporary world.
About the Author
Alan Catchpoole has been involved in Bible teaching and Christian conference ministry for the past sixty five years. Born in Adelaide, he has lived in Australia, England, Denmark, and for fifteen years in Singapore. He has ministered widely across his own couuntry, in North America, and in South East Asia. For a decade before retirement, he was teacher-in-residence for the Bull Creek Westminster Presbyterian Church in Perth. He now lives in Melbourne.