‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.’ Proverbs 9:10

A quick internet search informs me that philosophy is ‘the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline.’ Another definition I have heard is that it is ‘navel gazing’ or the debating every angle of an opinion without having to come to a conclusion. In my opinion, it is a course that is option of study with people who are looking for meaning but have no religious or spiritual convictions.

When you think of philosopher’s people like Plato, Kant, Nietzsche, Confuscius and Arendt may spring to mind. I was therefore bemused to read this this week that the University of Glasgow are adding Homer to that; that would be Homer Simpson, father of Bart Simpson. So for those who are not up to date with TV shows, Wikipedia says ‘The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical depiction of working-class life epitomized by the Simpson family, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. The show is set in the fictional town of Springfield and parodies American culture, society, television, and the human condition.’ So Homer is a cartoon character.

Putting aside for one moment the absurdity of a university course discussing the merits of a cartoon character with lines written by a script writer and offering this up as education, it seems to me that people are looking for real answers. The search for reason will never be found in a TV screen, nor will it be found in the study of mans thoughts; cartoon or otherwise.

When Solomon was asked what he wanted 1 Kings 4:29 records his reply – ‘And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. ‘

Solomon writes in Proverbs 9:10 ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.’ All the answers are in the bible; we don’t need to look anywhere else.

‘We are an offering’ is sung by Chris Christian. Click on the picture to listen.