Ancient Greek Philosophy
The Ancient Greek Philosophers, pre-dating even Socrates, were the original proponents of what we now consider to be the foundation of Western philosophy
The Greeks developed an array of philosophical works and ideas, ranging from scientific thought to ethical and moral issues, that have gone on to shape and influence the world we live in today. From early systems of physics and psychology to the theories of political and moral thought, the Greeks have left us a legacy of ways of thinking that persisted for centuries after them
A defining feature of Ancient Greek philosophy is its secular, empirical nature. Instead of relying on religious myths or superstitions, the Greeks placed a large emphasis on reason and logical argument as the basis for their philosophical foundation. This approach allowed for a wide range of philosophical inquiry and curiosity, as the Greeks questioned and sought to explain the most fundamental aspects of their world.
Ancient Greek philosophy was not only influential in its own right, but also had a profound impact on subsequent religious and cultural thought, including Christianity.
Greek Influence on Christianity
Christianity is unique among religious traditions in that it emerged out of a culture already heavily influenced by Greek philosophy. The religion itself includes a large amount of philosophical content, as most now recognized religious teachings overlap with morals and ethics in some sense. This is due in part to the fact that much of Christian theology is deeply rooted in Greek thought and has since been adopted and reinterpreted by the Christian tradition into the tenets of their faith.
The most obvious example of Philosophy’s influence on Christianity is the concept of the afterlife. The ancient Greeks developed the idea of the Elysian fields, a mythical realm free of the troubles of life. This concept is often a central part of Christian theology, with the expected reward of an eternal afterlife in heaven after death. Equally, the idea of original sin, or a spiritual blemish afflicting the soul, has its roots in Platonic thought; Plato believed that a kind of essence, or essence of being, is present from birth and can be corrupted by improper behavior or deeds. This concept was later modified and reinterpreted as the modern Christian understanding of original sin.
Another major aspect of Christianity heavily influenced by Greek thought is the idea of ethics. The Greeks developed early foundations for ethical contemplation and discourse, using reason rather than divine authority to guide their discourse. This mode of thought — known as Virtue Ethics — has been embraced and embraced by Christianity and is instrumental in helping to shape moral thought in the religion.
Plato and the Christian God
Plato was one of the most influential figures in Greek philosophy and his teachings were instrumental in shaping Christian thought. Plato believed that there existed a perfect, unified, and eternal reality — something akin to a “heavenly kingdom”, a concept that lies at the heart of Christian faith. This supposed kingdom is not physical, nor is it achievable in this life, but is the ultimate goal of all believers; the Christian God is seen as the ultimate force and ultimate goal of this divine reality.
Plato’s most famous work, The Republic, was also hugely influential in Christian thought. The book examines the nature of justice and morality, and claims that the rule of a just ruler is conducive to the creation of an ideal society — a sentiment that was later embraced by early Christian theologians. The way Plato framed his philosophy and political ideas also reflects the way Christianity came to be structured and practiced, with the hierarchical and hierarchical structure of the Church being an integral part of the religion.
The Socratic Method of inquiry — the method of using logical arguments and questioning to find truth — is another key aspect of Greek philosophy which was important for early Christian theologians. This method was largely embraced and adopted by the early Christian church, as it provided a way of establishing and expressing a form of Truth which adhered to the religion’s faith-based teachings.
Greek Philosophy and Christian Worship
Many of the methods and rituals used in modern Christian worship have their roots in Greek philosophy. For example, the idea of koinoia — or communal worship — was heavily influenced by the Socratic method of questioning and debate. Similarly, the practice of eucharist can be traced back to the Aristotelian concept of theoria — a form of spiritual contemplation.
Moreover, the Greek notion of theosis — the idea that humanity must strive to become more like God and be unified with Him — was essential to the development of Christian theology. This notion was particularly relevant to early Christian thinkers, who interpreted it as being a necessity for spiritual intimacy with God. Thus, theosis is something that is still a fundamental aspect of Christian worship today.
Even the structure and syntax of Christian prayer, with its poetic and lyrical language, can be traced back to Greek philosophy.
The Influence of Greek Philosophy on Christian Thought Today
The influence of Greek philosophy on the development of Christianity is clear, and its reverberations are still felt today. The Bible, for example, is strongly influenced by the writings of the Ancient Greeks. Similarly, the ideas of morality, justice, and ethical thought — so important for Christian theologians — can still be traced back to the original Greek sources.
The influence of Greek philosophy on Christianity has been extensive, from the practical aspects of worship to the foundational theories that underpin the religion itself. The fundamental impact of Greek thought on Christian theology cannot be denied, and its influence remains evident to this day.
The Rise of Hellenistic Judaism
The presence of Greek influence in the development of Christianity is not just limited to Christianity alone. Before the development of Christianity, the form of Judaism known as “Hellenistic Judaism” used Greek philosophical thought when interpreting Judaic scripture. This form of Judaism is an example of how Greek philosophy and religion could intermingle and influence each other – an example echoed in early Christian theology.
The Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria, for example, made heavy use of Greek philosophical thought when interpreting Jewish texts. Philo used arguments derived from the philosophy of Plato to reject Judaisms’ strict devotion to the Leviticus law, and to instead favour a more moralistic approach. This position can still be found in some Christian theologies, such as in the teachings of St Augustine, who drew heavily on Plato’s The Republic to develop his own moral theories.
In conclusion, it is clear that Greek philosophy had a profound and lasting impact on the development of Christianity. In many aspects of the religion, from theology to worship, the influence of Greek philosophy can still be traced. Today, Christianity is unrecognisable from the religion which initially developed out of Hellenistic Judaism — a testament to the influence of the philosophies of Ancient Greece.
The Mixing of Philosophy and Religion
The influence of Greek philosophy on both Judaism and Christianity raises the important issue of how philosophy and religion can mix and interact. Many religions rely heavily on philosophy to explain or justify their practices or beliefs, as is evident in many Christian writings. On the other hand, many philosophical theories can be seen to contain religious elements, as is often the case with Plato’s writings.
In either case, the mixing of philosophy and religion is an important component of both Christianity and Ancient Greek thought. Religion provides an ethical framework for philosophical contemplation, while philosophy can help to bring clarity and understanding to the complexities of religious texts. Thus, the combination of the two can often help to create a better and more honest understanding of both.
Although there is no absolute consensus on the exact relationship between philosophy and religion, it is clear that the two have had a profound influence on one another over time. The influence of Ancient Greek philosophy on early Christianity is a testament to this fact, and it is something that continues to shape the way Christianity is practised today.
The Legacy of Ancient Greek Philosophy
The influence of Greek philosophy on Christianity is just one part of the lasting legacy of Ancient Greek philosophy. The legacy of philosophical thought developed by the Greeks has endured throughout the centuries, ranging from the logical thought of Plato to the rule of law explained by Aristotle. Today, these works still provide an important foundation for philosophical thought and debate, both in the West and beyond.
Of course, the influence of philosophy on Christianity was not the only example of the interaction between the two disciplines. Thinkers such as Augustine and Aquinas heavily relied on Greek philosophical theory when developing their own Christian theologies, while modern interpretations of religion often rely heavily on philosophical debates.
In all, it is clear that Ancient Greek philosophy has had, and continues to have, a profound influence on Christianity. This influence can be seen in many aspects of the religion, from theology to worship, and its lasting legacy is something that will continue to shape Christianity — and philosophy — for many years to come.
