Critical reflections on H.G. Stoker’s (1899–1993) approach towards the elaboration of a Christian philosophy

Abstract

In this article it is argued that the Calvinistic philosopher, Hendrik Gerhardus Stoker (1899–1993), adopted a qualified theology-based approach for the elaboration of his Christian philosophy. Being shaped by the nature-super-nature theme, which itself is a method of synthesis, this approach lends itself towards establishing pseudo congruency. In Stoker’s case, it is an attempt to reconcile his commitment to an integral Christian philosophy with his antecedent allegiance to reformed theology in its orthodox scholastic expression. Indeed, Stoker has gone further than his reformed predecessors in an effort to develop a Calvinistic philosophy. But, instead of piecemeal adjustments, it is proposed that the theology-based approach should be rejected in its entirety if integral Christian scholarship is to flourish.

H.G. Stoker, theology-based approach, reformational philosophy, reformed theology, Calvinism, encyclopaedia of the sciences, nature–super-nature, Christian scholarship