"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy, and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ" (Col. 2:8).
Paul isn't writing against philosophy, for he himself was a philosopher. Not as Plato or Democritus, but because everyone with a view of the world is a philosopher. Typically, when you hear someone call themselves a "philosopher," you might imagine them questioning all things, giving new insights about issues, and resting their chin on their fist. But today, we often use the term worldview(s) in taking about philosophical matters. If you have a view of the world, you have a worldview. Everyone has a view of the world; concerning its origins, how we are to obtain and use knowledge, and how we are to live and act.
Paul was writing against a real threat to the Colossian church. He wasn't making a blanket condemnation of all philosophy, but philosophy that is "not according to Christ." The fundamental problem with this philosophy mentioned in the text is that it is not in accord with Jesus Christ and the gospel message.
Examine your worldview/philosophy. It's not enough to have just any worldview (everyone has one!), but having the right one is what matters. Is your worldview/philosophy "according to Christ"? Does it come from God, exalt Him, and lead you to action that would glorify Him? If your philosophy isn't glorifying the Lord, you need to get a new philosophy.
Bro. Brandon
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