This episode provides an overview of Middle Platonism, a revival of Plato's philosophy that emerged in the 1st century BC. We explore key Platonist beliefs like the existence of a Supreme Being and divine Ideas. The episode also discusses Platonism's influence on early Christian thinkers.

Episode Overview

• Platonism declined after Plato's death but revived in the 1st century BC as Middle Platonism
• Middle Platonists believed in a Supreme Being and divine Ideas that were the source of reality
• They saw the material world as inferior to the spiritual realm of Ideas
• This philosophy was seen as a journey of the soul toward union with the divine
• Platonism influenced early Christian thinkers on issues like Christ's divinity and the body/soul distinction

Discussion Questions

• How can we make sure philosophy does not lead us astray from God's truth revealed in Scripture?
• What does it mean to have Christ as the beginning and end of our philosophy?
• How does Christ embody divine truth and grace differently than the Platonists' concept of divine Ideas?
• What are some ways Platonism's negative view of the material world still influences Christians today? How can we have a biblical view of the material world?
• Why must Christ alone reign supreme in all our reasoning and thinking? What are practical ways we can ensure this?

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