every teacher I had would always introduce the topic by making the distinction between knowing God and knowing things about God.
But I don’t learn anything ‘about’ the living God by reading philosophical theology. I learn nothing from reading philosophical theology except what a particular group of philosophical theologians think God is like. On the contrary, I learn far more ‘about’ the living God by pondering the teachings of Jesus. No wonder he’s called the Mediator! I have become convinced the ‘factual database’ of the living God is in the Scriptures; not philosophical theology. Shoot, I’d say the epistle of James alone gives far more insight ‘about’ God than any insights philosophical theology can offer!
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." – James 1:2-3
“You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity with God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” – James 4:4.
”Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you.” – James 4:8
”There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?” – James 4:11
Can these profound statements be deduced from philosophical theology?
With that said, doctrines have tons of practical implications,
It’s true that doctrines have tons of practical implications. But why do you think philosophical theology is needed for constructing doctrines?
so philosophical theology can supplement one's relationship with God rather well, I think.
Can you give an example of how philosophical theology can supplement one’s relationship with God rather well? Because I can think of a lot of counterexamples, lol.
Yes,
…. so what’s the point?
We can share spiritual/mystical literature if you want!
The Book of Mormon has mystical sections in it.
16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.
I really love the last line – “behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel”. There have been times when I’ve tried to put my experiences of God’s love into words and I am simply unable to do so. The experience of God’s love is indescribable. I can’t put even the smallest of what I feel into words, just like the scripture says.
35 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.
36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
…
I few years ago I had one of the most significant religious experiences of my life. I believe I had an encounter with a taste of God's grace, and it was so profound that I recall thinking that all the philosophical theology I had been studying and arguments for God's existence were nothing in comparison to that experience.
Right?!