Talk:Neoplatonism and Christianity

Discussion: Should this article be merged with Hellenistic Philosophy and Christianity?
No, I think the articles should remain separate. The influence of Hellenistic philosophy on Christian theology can be properly divided into two parts. First is the influence of Middle Platonism, Stoicism, and perhaps Pre-Socratic philosophy on Christian theology of the first three centuries A.D. (e.g., on St. Justin, St. Clement of Alexandria, Origen, St. Gregory of Nyssa -- and perhaps earlier, even on the writers of the Gospels).

Neoplatonism is a later development, with a different relationship with Christianity. By the time of Proclus, who influenced Pseudo-Dionysius, the relationship of Neoplatonism and Christianity is complex: while Neoplatonism is influencing Christianity, it also seems true that Christianity is influencing Neoplatonism. For example, the theurgical emphasis of Iamblichus and Proclus is sometimes interpreted as a pagan response to the well-developed liturgical practices of Christianity.

A further argument for keeping the articles separate is that Neoplatonism has continued to evolve since Late Antiquity. There were many influential Christian Neoplatonists in the Renaissance (e.g., Marsilio Ficino). There are even modern Christian Neoplatonist philosophers. It is questionable whether these later Neoplatonists can accurately be called "Hellenistic philosophers."

Practical321 (talk) 12:33, 13 April 2008 (UTC)

Reference to Methodist Church
I am puzzled as to why the author chose the Methodist Church to support the contention under "Christoplatonism" that Neoplatonic ideas are contrary to Christian thinking. It appears to assume facts that have not been presented, that is, that the Methodist Church is representative of standard Christian thought. If the contention is to be proved then more church authorities should be offered. I doubt if supporting evidence can be found and therefore the contention should be dropped.

LAWinans (talk) 18:07, 15 November 2011 (UTC)


 * Agreed. In fact one may easily find middle Platonism in the New Testament [John 1], [Coll 1] and [Hebr]. Consider the Wikipedian rules WP:BOLD combined with WP:REF!


 * I also wonder why the Hegelians are missing, the most prominent modern times Christian Platonists. Rursus dixit. ( m bork3 !) 08:33, 26 March 2012 (UTC)

Alcorn and Christoplatonism
May I remove or at least heavily modify the section on Christoplatonism, which has bothered me every time I've come across this article for the past few years? Alcorn is a popular evangelical writer, not a qualified theologian or historian, and the term "Christoplatonism," which he coined, is to my knowledge used only by him, and only in a single book. Even laying aside the issue that his term is based on a superficial reading of Plato and the Church Fathers, I question whether it is notable enough to be included in this article, which sorely needs expansion in other areas. Finally, Alcorn's definition tells us nothing about either Christianity or Neoplatonism or the relationship between them except his hostility to the influence of the latter. Apologies for posting this anonymously, but I haven't had an active account on Wikipedia for a number of years, and need to get around to figuring that out at some point.--77.242.48.48 (talk) 13:03, 12 January 2016 (UTC)


 * Okay, I created a new account. I see my edit was reverted. Well, not a big deal, but I encourage anyone who intends to revise the article do something about that section. --CorvusMarinus (talk) 08:03, 13 January 2016 (UTC)

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