Whereas in verse 7 Paul refers specifically to
Whereas in verse 7 Paul refers specifically to religious things, in verse 8 he goes on to say, "I count also all things to be loss." Paul counted as loss on account of Christ not only the things of his former religion, but all other things as well. In this booklet I have a particular burden to point out what these things include.
RELIGION, PHILOSOPHY, AND CULTURE
Years ago, many of us were taught that the things in Philippians 3:8 refer to worldly, mate rial things. In a sense, this understanding is partly right. However, to interpret Paul's word in this way is not very practical. According to verses 5 and 6, Paul's concept is not mainly related to ma terial things. It is true, of course, that worldly, material things occupy people and keep them from experiencing Christ. However, Paul real ized that the things which truly frustrate people from experiencing Christ are mainly the things of religion, philosophy, and culture. For the most part, the thoughtful, philosophical people are not occupied by material things. Those who are not thoughtful or philosophical are the ones usually distracted by material things. Those who are more philosophical care for religion, culture, and philosophy. When you go out to preach the