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Season 1 :Episode 1: Plato and Greek Philosophy

"A History of the Christian Church - 2000 Years of Christian Thought"

Introduction

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "A History of the Christian Church - 2000 Years of Christian Thought." I'm Jeremy McCandless, your host, and together we embark on a amazing journey through the annals of time, exploring the transformative evolution of the Christian Church from A.D. 1 to A.D. 500. In Season 1, we will unravel this rich tapestry through the lives and thoughts of some of Christianity's earliest greatest thinkers.

Episode Overview

In this episode, titled "Plato and Greek Philosophy," we'll look into the intellectual landscape that shaped early Christian thought. The journey begins with the influence of Greek philosophy on the early Christian Fathers, unravelling the nuances of Platonism, Aristotelianism, and Stoicism. We'll witness the emergence of Neoplatonism in the 3rd century and its impact on early Christian thinkers.

The Early Christian Fathers and Greek Philosophy

The early Christian Fathers, primarily Gentile Greeks or Romans, grappled with the task of aligning their Christian beliefs with the prevailing thought patterns of their society. Three main philosophical schools—Platonism, Aristotelianism, and Stoicism—left an indelible mark on their intellectual endeavours.

Pivotal Moments in Greek Philosophy

By the 2nd century, a fusion of Platonism, Aristotle, and Stoicism dominated Greek thought, with Platonism emerging as the leading influence. The 3rd century witnessed the rise of Neoplatonism, offering a Pagan alternative to Christianity and leaving a lasting impact on Christian thinkers from the 4th century onward.

Central to both Plato and Aristotle was the concept of being and becoming. Plato posited an eternal, unchanging realm of being in contrast to our ever-changing world. This duality of realms became influential in early Christian thought.

Greek Monotheism and Christian Apologists

As Greek philosophical monotheism gained prominence, early Christian apologists found points of connection. However, contradictions between the Greek and biblical concepts of God emerged, leading to theological challenges for the early Christian thinkers.

Logos: The Mediator

Greek thought introduced the concept of "logos" as a mediating power between the immutable God and the changing world. This concept, echoing John chapter one, provided a point of connection between Greek philosophy and Christian thought. However, challenges arose regarding the nature and status of the Logos.

Greek Aesthetics and Christian Distinctions

Greek philosophy held a negative view of the temporal world, considering it the creation of an inferior deity. While some aspects resonated with New Testament thought, fundamental differences persisted, especially concerning the resurrection of the body.

The Challenge for Early Christian Fathers

The early Christian Fathers faced the challenge of articulating the Christian faith in Greek terms without distorting its essence. The journey involved a nuanced exchange, with Greek thought becoming intertwined with Christian thought while maintaining aspects contrary to biblical Christianity.

Conclusion

As we conclude this episode, we acknowledge the complexity of this historical process. The early Christian Fathers n

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