ABSTRACT
The distinction between philosophy and religion was not, however, as clear-cut in the past as it is today. It offered a spiritual path that was for everyone, as everyone was said to be made in image of God. Once Christianity became imperial, the tools and tropes of philosophy were put in service of understanding the triune God, and thus philosophy became the handmaiden of theology. Academic conferences have also been held on philosophy and the spiritual life, as well as on philosophy as a contemplative discipline. The author proposes instead that exploration in the philosophy of religion could start with an analysis of the spiritual life, which would allow for answers to be developed to a unique set of questions pertaining to the aim of spiritual practices and the role tradition has in informing spiritual thought. Instead of reading philosophical texts to obtain knowledge about natural world, Hedley reminds us that philosophy can serve as an exercise to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
