The Missions Podcast Missions and Philosophy: Does it Matter for Missionaries? With Dr. David Talcott
Does studying classical philosophy have any relevance for missions today?
In this episode, Alex and Scott talk with Dr. David Talcott, a philosopher and faculty member at New Saint Andrew’s College, to discuss the intersection of philosophy, culture, and missions. They ask the famous question “What hath Athens to do with Jerusalem?”—whether philosophy and Scripture can meaningfully interact. Drawing from Acts 17, they explore how Paul’s intellectual preparation and knowledge of Greek culture allowed him to engage with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers, modeling how missionaries today should understand and address the intellectual frameworks of their host cultures.
The discussion broadens into how classical philosophy, particularly Plato and Aristotle, still speaks into modern challenges such as relativism, skepticism, and materialism. Dr. Talcott emphasizes that philosophy provides categories and arguments that can prepare hearts and minds for the gospel, acting as a kind of “preparatory grace.”
Key Topics Covered:
- The question: “What hath Athens to do with Jerusalem?”—philosophy and theology in harmony
- Acts 17 as a model for missionary engagement with culture and thought
- Relevance of classical philosophy for confronting modern ideologies (materialism, relativism, skepticism)
- The role of “common grace” in pagan philosophies and cultures
- The movement to retrieve classical theology and its value for missions today
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