What is Hellenism?
Hellenism is the term used to describe the culture and ideologies of the ancient Greeks. It encompassed their language, philosophy, art, politics and religion. Hellenic culture was largely based on a polytheistic religious system, with their gods and goddesses representing the various phenomena in nature. In the first millennium BCE, Hellenism spread across the Mediterranean, having a pervasive influence upon the cultures it encountered – included early Christianity.
What Was Early Christianity?
Early Christianity was a major religious sect that developed in the Roman Empire during the 1st century CE. It was initially colloquially known as ‘the Way’, based off of Jesus’ teachings which provided a basis for a potentially universal ethic and piety. Early Christians were unified by their belief in the deity of Christ, meaning they understood him to share a similar nature with God. This identification distinguished them from more traditional Jewish teachings, allowing the group to develop independently from Jewish communities and eventually spread to a much wider audience.
How Hellenism Influenced Christianity
Hellenistic thinkers and writers had a strong influence on the development of early Christianity and its theological views. In particular, certain Greek philosophical schools, such as Platonism, exerted a strong influence on the leading theologians of the early church. For example, the teachings of Platonism were important for the Christian theologian St. Augustine and the theory of the Logos, an important concept in Christian thinking which unified the material and spiritual realms.
In addition, Hellenism provided a useful language to express Christian concepts as they developed. Hellenic philosophy, especially Platonism and Stoicism, provided key terms and ideas used to articulate Christian doctrine, such as the soul, body and spirit. Greek-speaking Jews also played an important role in early Christian theology, with their knowledge of the terms and ideas of Hellenism being applied to their faith.
Finally, Hellenism effectively gave birth to the missionary activity of early Christianity. The Hellenistic worldview and lifestyles were familiar to many people around the Mediterranean prior to the spread of Christianity, providing a ‘cultural link’ between new Christian converts and the teachings of the faith itself.
Legacy of Hellenism on Christianity
The influence of Hellenism on early Christianity can be seen in many aspects of the religion. Today, Christianity has rejected the polytheistic beliefs of the ancient Hellenistic culture, and adopted monotheism as its central element. However, the terms, ideas and lifestyles that Hellenism provided to early Christian thinkers still remain important and often unreservedly accepted by believers of the faith today.
From the concepts of Logos and soul, to those of body and spirit, the language of early Christians was consistently richly infused with the terminology of Hellenism. In addition, the missionary activities of early Christian churches in the Mediterranean basin was heavily indebted to the established cultural networks of Hellenic civilization.
Debate Over Appropriate Use of Hellenism in Christianity
Though Hellenism has had a definite influence on the development and articulation of Christian thought, the use of Hellenistic influences on the faith is still a matter of debate today. Some, including certain conservative Christian groups, argue that the use of certain Hellenistic concepts and modes of expression should be avoided altogether in Christian teaching, in order to remain true to traditional views.
On the other hand, this view is contested by more liberal theologians, who argue that the integration of elements of Hellenism into Christian thinking is necessary, in order to keep up with the modern world and more accurately understand and articulate the Christian faith.
Current Integration of Hellenic Thought in Christianity
In spite of differences between conservative and liberal Christian groups, Christianity continues to integrate hellenistic concepts into its teachings. Certain aspects of Christianity, such as the identification of Jesus as a divine and incarnated being, is indebted to the philosophical thinking of Hellenism.
The Logos, for example, has continued to play a key role in Christian thought, particularly in its philosophical expressions, which makes use of classical terms and concepts in articulating God’s relationship to the world. In addition, Hellenistic medical practices, such as the humoral system, were also incorporated into Christianity in the Middle Ages and continue to strongly influence modern Christian beliefs about health and healing.
Impact of Hellenism on Modern Versions of Christianity
Despite its ancient roots, the influence of Hellenism can still be seen in modern Christian teachings. For example, Neo-platonism, a form of Hellenism that sought to reconcile Platonic and Aristotelian thought, has become increasingly influential in modern Christian theological debates, particularly in the Anglican and Catholic faiths.
In addition, Hellenism has also become influential in philosophical expression of Christianity. Leading Christian thinkers such as Paul Tillich have made use of Hellenic terms and ideas in order to articulate their view of the faith’s relationship to the modern world.
Integration of Hellenic Thought Across Christianity
In spite of its ancient roots, the influence of Hellenism on Christianity has been felt in churches across the denominational spectrum. From evangelical to mainline Protestant to Catholic, Hellenistic concepts remain an integral part of current theological arguments and Christian thinking.
Modern Christians continue to draw upon Hellenistic concepts in order to articulate their faith, often finding that certain ideas and terms from the entire range of Hellenic thought best express their relationship to God and the world around them. Today, Hellenism has been fully integrated into the entirety of Christian expression, having developed into an essential part of the faith.
Hellenic Philosophical Thought Across Christian Denominations
The influence of Hellenism is not only seen in more mainstream Christian denominations, but across the entirety of the Christian faith. For example, Protestant Christian thought has become increasingly influenced by Hellenic philosophical ideas, particularly Platonism and Stoicism, in its articulation of various doctrinal and ethical issues.
Similarly, Orthodox Christian churches have drawn upon Hellenic concepts when articulating their understanding of icons, sacraments and spiritual insights. In addition, the Roman Catholic church has also been deeply influenced by Hellenistic thought, particularly in the articulation of their doctrines of the soul and spiritual healing, which are deeply indebted to the medical practices and beliefs of classical Greece.
Conclusion and Summary of Hellenism’s Influence on Christianity
In conclusion, Hellenism has played a major role in the development and expression of the Christian faith. From its roots as a small sect within the Roman Empire, Christianity has grown to become one of the world’s largest religions, continually incorporating terms and concepts from Hellenism in its theological discussions.
Thus today, many of Christianity’s fundamental beliefs, such as its monotheistic views, have their roots in the Hellenic culture of the Mediterranean. In addition, thinkers and theologians of Christianity have drawn heavily upon the language and ideas of this ancient culture, making its influence over the faith indelible.
