There is an assumption that philosophy and theology are totally different. Philosophy starts with questions, ends with questions. Theology starts with an exclamation point, must have an assumption of faith, and ends with an exclamation point, a conclusion. So people often put these two things in opposition.

Tertulianus once questioned the relationship between Jerusalem and Athens. At that time, Jerusalem was the center of Christianity and Athens was the center of philosophy. According to him, some of his Christian contemporaries had drunk too much of the water & wine of philosophy. Augustine also said that philosophy is a "servant" of theology, needed to serve theology. This understanding lasted until the Middle Ages. Entering the age of enlightenment philosophy became "free" from theology, even as if it became an enemy or at least a nuisance to theology. At that time Friedrich Nietzsche, became one of the philosophers whose thoughts were contrary to the developing understanding of theology. Nietzsche conveyed his thoughts that heaven was an unreal place, only limited to the "world of ideas". In fact, to promote man's complete freedom or autonomy over himself, he said that "God is dead".

In the end, philosophy and theology are placed as if in opposing positions. If we are to be honest, philosophy is actually needed by theology. Both are representations of faith and reason, closely related though not always familiar.

Then, how does the Bible see the relationship? In Colossians 2:8 Paul warns his congregation of the dangers of philosophy, which he labels "empty and false" because it is only the result of the teachings of men and the spirits of the world. Who exactly were the “philosophers” in Colossae? Why did Paul think their philosophy was dangerous and could ensnare and hold the Colossians captive?