STAGGERING TRUTHS

THE TRAGIC MISTAKE 

What is the relation between Christian thought and Platonism? Are Christianity and
Platonism compatible? How much did Greek philosophy influence early Christianity?
Christian thinkers who assert Greek philosophy and Christianity are incompatible
include: early Church Father Tertullian, Dutch philosopher Herman Dooyeweerd, reformers
1 Alleged. 2011. Director Tom Hines, Two Shoes Productions. This film depicts the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925.
H.L. Mencken is played by Colm Meaney and Charles Anderson played by Nathan West.
2
James Skillen and Paul Marshall, Bishop N.T. Wright, and postmodern thinker Brian McLaren.
Although these scholars represent different Christian traditions, they each suggest, in some way,
that Greek dualism prevents a genuine biblical approach to Christianity.

 By combining the two modes of thought, believers often miss the centrality of the Gospel. These thinkers are not opposed to reason or the consideration of philosophical issues. They are, however, opposed to syncretism – combining different systems of beliefs. Syncretism taints our perception of faith.
St. Augustine, on the other hand, supported the fusion of Greek philosophy, specifically
Platonism, and Christian doctrine. He asserted the two systems of belief were compatible. And
where he disagreed with Platonic ideas, he simply altered those ideas to fit his theology. His
writings demonstrate his attraction to Platonism. Following the days of early Christianity,
Platonism continued to show itself in Christian thought. From Calvinism to Puritanism and
realist evangelicals to reformers who support a two-kingdom theology, Greek dualism continues
to plague Christianity.