--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Any Christianity that rests upon a…" description: "\"“Any Christianity that rests upon a dichotomy - some sort of platonic concept - simply does not have an answer to nature, and we must say with tears th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/071/francis-schaeffer-2607_christianity_any-christianity-that-rests-upon-a-dicho_1370434.jpg" --- # Any Christianity that rests upon a dichotomy - some sort… ![“Any Christianity that rests upon a dichotomy - some sort of platonic concept - simply does not have an answer to nature, and we must say with tears that much orthodoxy, much evangelical Christianity, is rooted in a platonic concept, wherein the only interest is in the "upper story", in the…” quote by Francis Schaeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/071/francis-schaeffer-2607_christianity_any-christianity-that-rests-upon-a-dicho_1370434.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/071/francis-schaeffer-2607_christianity_any-christianity-that-rests-upon-a-dicho_1370434.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/071/francis-schaeffer-2607_christianity_any-christianity-that-rests-upon-a-dicho_1370434.jpg) > ““Any Christianity that rests upon a dichotomy - some sort of platonic concept - simply does not have an answer to nature, and we must say with tears that much orthodoxy, much evangelical Christianity, is rooted in a platonic concept, wherein the only interest is in the "upper story", in the heavenly things - only in "saving the soul" and getting it to heaven. In this platonic concept, even though orthodox and evangelical terminology is used, there is little or no interest in the proper pleasures of the body or the proper uses of the intellect. In such a Christianity there is a strong tendency to see nothing in nature beyond its use as one of the classic proofs of God's existence. "Look at nature," we are told; "Look at the Alps. God must have made them." And that is the end. Nature has become merely an academic proof of the existence of the Creator, with little value in itself. Christians of this outlook do not show an interest in nature itself. They use it simply as an apologetic weapon, rather than thinking or talking about the real value of nature.”” [Francis Schaeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-schaeffer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote criticizes a Christianity that treats nature only as a proof of God, neglecting its intrinsic value and the proper use of body and intellect. **In simple terms:** Christianity that sees nature only as evidence of God misses its own worth. Key Takeaway Recognize and appreciate nature beyond proof. Themes theology environment philosophy spirituality Mood reflective critical thoughtful Type theological philosophical environmental When to use this quote - church teaching - environmental education - personal reflection - faith dialogues Key Concepts Platonic dualism anthropocentrism apologetics Questions to Reflect On - How can faith integrate appreciation of nature? - What role should the body and intellect play in spirituality? A Different Perspective Such a view can lead to environmental indifference and shallow faith. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity/) [Christianity Rooted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity-rooted-4717684/) [Concept Orthodox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/concept-orthodox-4717682/) [Ecology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ecology/) [Evangelical Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evangelical-christianity-1811515/) [God'S Existence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/god-s-existence/) [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Orthodoxy Evangelical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/orthodoxy-evangelical-4717681/) [Platonic Concept](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/platonic-concept-4717683/) [Real value](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real-value/) ## Related quotes > [I do not expect that the mere fact that I was once an evangelical apologist and now see things differently should itself count as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-m-price/i-do-not-expect-that-the-mere-fact-that-i-was-once-an-evangelical/) [Robert M. 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In such a Christianity there is a strong tendency to see nothing in nature beyond its use as one of the classic proofs of God's existence. \"Look at nature,\" we are told; \"Look at the Alps. God must have made them.\" And that is the end. Nature has become merely an academic proof of the existence of the Creator, with little value in itself. Christians of this outlook do not show an interest in nature itself. 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