Sunday Walk 42 – Greek Influence On Christianity

Blue Ridge Mountains

I used to find Plotinus, a 3rd century Platonist, interesting. His idea of the One suggested a kind of naturalistic or pantheistic spirituality. To the extent I understood any of this, the One was like a force field having the attributes philosophers might assign to a deity.

Little of this is attractive to me today, but that earlier exposure has kept me wary of Platonic or even Aristotelian influences. When I hear discussions of God that do not lead to repentance, salvation or a personal relationship with Jesus grounded in the special revelation of the Bible I wonder if there aren’t hidden presuppositions underlying the arguments that might be coming from ancient Greek, rather than Jewish or Christian, sources.

I’ve noticed these hidden ideas within various Christian traditions going back to Augustine or earlier. Some of them are fine, but it’s easy to forget that even the acceptable ones are cultural additions. So, I try to distinguish what is in the Bible from what is outside trying to get in. Then I put scripture over tradition should a conflict arise between the Word of God and that other stuff.

For those who wish more information on this especially as it pertains to questionable Greek cultural influence, see David Pawson’s lecture on “de-Greecing” the church:

David Pawson, De-Greecing the Church

Weekly Bible Readings: Genesis (Audio: King James Version read by Alexander Scourby)
Commentary: David Pawson, Genesis Part 1 of 7 and Part 2 of 7, Unlocking the Bible

Japanese Peony

Author: Frank Hubeny

I enjoy walking, poetry and short prose as well as taking pictures with my phone.

14 thoughts on “Sunday Walk 42 – Greek Influence On Christianity”

  2. You raise excellent points. “All truth is God’s truth” sounds good until you realize that only God’s word gives you the perspective from which to discern truth.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. For your information:

    “All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a Force which brings the particle of an atom to vibration and holds this most minute solar system of the atom together. We must assume behind this Force the existence of a conscious and INTELLIGENT MIND. This MIND is the matrix of all matter.”

    — Professor Max Planck, the father of quantum physics

    John 1:1-3 (Aramaic Peshitta) In the beginning was The Miltha (The Mind) and that Miltha (Mind) was with God (Elohim – plural) and God (Elohim = plural) was that Miltha (Mind) 2 This (same Mind) was in the beginning with God (Elohim = plural) 3 Everything through His hands existed and without Him not even one thing existed.

    The Duality Godhead:
    https://isthefathercallingyoutohisson.wordpress.com/2017/07/21/the-duality-godhead/

    Regards
    Messenger Charles

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree that the universe is evidence for a conscious and intelligent mind. (Romans 1:18-20)

      Here is for comparison the King James Bible 1769 version of John 1:1-3.

      1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
      1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
      1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

      Thank you, Charles!

      Like

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