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 distinctionDiscussion 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?For other questions and comments, feel free to reach out to Jared at [email protected]. For more content, visit the podcast ⁠website ⁠or wherever you find your podcasts.To join The Church History Project Facebook group to engage in more discussion about released episodes and other fascinating nuggets of church history, you can visit the page ⁠here⁠.

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