In class today, we discussed how various facets of Christian ideology stem from different writings or traditions. In particular, the general distaste for the body in some sects, Roman Catholicism included, stem from Greek thought.
This brought to mind one of the most prominent Christian theologian and philosopher of his time, St. Thomas Aquinas, who was very much a Platonist. Seeing Plato's analogies of the body as a microcosm of his Republic, and for virtually any other argument by analogy made by the character Socrates, this connection made perfect sense.
To respond in a question in class, perhaps Christianity in its early forms did appeal to Platonists like Aquinas, who saw underlining similarities in the moral teachings of Jesus and Plato. Of course, they are different in many aspects as well, but I think the similarities were enough for many scribal elites of the early centuries CE.
Aquinas mostly Christianize Aristotle's concepts. Here is an article explaining some of the ideas he shared with Aristotle.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.quebecoislibre.org/06/060122-5.htm
Great point, Raj. Here is an article explaining a thoughtful response to the benefits of Aquinas as an Aristotelian and neo-Platonist.
Deletehttp://reiterations.wordpress.com/2008/05/31/a-critique-of-thomas-aquinas/