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Philosophy — especially ethical philosophy, existentialism, and anthropology — can approach Matthew 18:3–5 (KJV) from various deep perspectives. Below is a philosophical analysis interpreting each verse through the lens of philosophy:

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🔍 1. "Except ye be converted, and become as little children..."

Existential philosophy sees here a call to “return” to an original existence, where a person lives authentically with themselves, uncorrupted by society, power, ambition, or ego.

Søren Kierkegaard, the Christian existential philosopher, might interpret this as an invitation to enter an existence–with–God relationship through absolute trust, like a child totally relying on their father.

The child does not carry the “rational calculations” of adults but lives by existential faith — a faith that cannot be proved but is sufficient for action.

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🔍 2. "Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child..."

Ethical philosophy — from Confucius to Kant — recognizes humility as a core moral virtue.

Confucius taught that a gentleman knows “to respect others and keep a distance,” humbling himself to learn from others — much like a child’s curiosity and willingness to learn.

For Immanuel Kant, morality does not come from status or outcomes but from good will and pure motives. Humility is the surrender of the self to do what is right — the foundation of moral dignity.

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🔍 3. "Whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."

Here lies a transformation of values — something Friedrich Nietzsche also engaged with, though from an opposite viewpoint.

Christian philosophy elevates what is usually despised: the weak, the small, the powerless — as the very place where God dwells.

This is a paradoxical statement: receiving the weakest is receiving the Highest. Philosophy calls this paradoxical thinking — which Kierkegaard also saw as the essence of faith.

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🎯 In summary, what does philosophy see in this Bible passage?

1. Children symbolize original being — uncorrupted by society, power, or ego.

2. Humility is the foundation of true morality — transcending rules and knowledge.

3. Receiving the weak is the highest moral act — reflecting a sacred reversal of values.

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Kassandra Fritsch 7mo ago

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