@cdenlpz1,
This is a very interesting question which certainly brings up many perspectives and points of view to seriously consider. I'd like to begin by saying that I am not an expert in the field of philosophy, nor theology, as I am still very much a philosophy, and to a lesser extent, theology, student, learning new ways and engaging new ideas everyday.
In order to get a better understanding of the question at hand, in my view, let's first consider the literal definition of the word "philosophy".
In Greek, where philosophy originated, the term means "The love of wisdom". This can also be translated to mean "love of knowledge" or "in search of truth". Keeping this in mind, philosophy can and does cover every topic imaginable including religion and theology. We can have a philosophy of anything from "The philosophy of ice cubes" to "The philosophy of ultimate reality". Therefore I ask "can we not have a philosophy of religion and theology?" If we are truly seeking truth, even in religion, I believe the two can and does co-exist. I do agree that religion, for the most part, as one post clearly states, is based upon "faith", "feelings", "emotions" and I'd like to add the "unknown". Philosophy, on the other hand does in fact deal with logic and right reasoning, contrasting the above referenced basic theological views and perspectives, but religion, too, same as philosophy, deals with the "unknown", hence the definition of "faith" as it relates to religious beliefs.
Another way of looking at this is to consider philosophy's sub-category "Value-Theory" which, of course, deals with what one places great value. These values often include cultural as well as religious beliefs. In this sense philosophy and religion, although not identical, are in a way one in the same.
Most philosophers consider the core philosophical quest which has to do with the "one" and the "many". The "one" is considered and believed to be the very "one", for lack or a better term, "thing" that the universe centers itself. There is nothing more once you reach, find and discover the "one". The "many" is everything else in existence, even virtual, that revolves around and supports the "one".
Although this is only a philosophical theory at present, some philosophers believe the "one" is indeed God, while others believe the "one" to be water (think about this before you discard it. Water is needed for all life forms as we know it. Without water, life, as we know it, would cease to exist. Hence "many", in fact, revolves around water).
To put it another way, consider that we can always ask a question relating to any topic and, hopefully, we'll get a satisfactory answer. As long as we are asking questions, we are really exploring the "many", meaning everything other than the "one" although our quest is to eventually reach and discover the "one". Once we reach the point where we can no longer break it down and ask any further questions, this, theoretically, is when we have found the "one". No further questions can be asked nor are they needed.
Now if we find that, indeed, the "one" is God, or perhaps gods, this brings us back to the theology question. If God exist, and if God is the "one", then we have to accept the idea that theology or religion and philosophy go hand-in-hand and cannot be totally separated.
I welcome anyone's comments, especially from the atheist and agnostics, regarding this philosophical theory and cognitive hypotheses.
J. Mark Tillery
Florida, USA
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