Platonism

Four great philosophies derived from Platonism dominated the gentile world. 121:4.1

The Fourth Book of Maccabees exemplifies the great inroad of Stoicism and the penetration of Platonic philosophy among Hellenized Jewish beliefs. 121:6.3

Christianity incorporated Babylonian and Persian ideas and Plato's theories, making the teachings more acceptable to diverse audiences. 146:1.3

The Platonist emphasis on the eternal order of heaven mirrors Confucianism's focus on the Way of Heaven over the potential God concept. 94:6.10

Hellenized Jewish beliefs, affected by Platonic philosophy and Stoic doctrines, were harmonized by Philo of Alexandria to form the foundation of Christianity. 121:6.3

Jesus' comments on Plato's teachings sought to lay a more trustworthy foundation for understanding reality in the universe. 130:4.1 133:5.2

Jesus recommended using nature parables to teach truths, alluding to the natural as an unreal shadow of spirit realities, influenced by Greek idealism. 151:3.3 170:5.2

Lingering belief in reincarnation was tolerated by older Jewish teachers, Plato, Philo, and many Essenes, who believed in expiating sins from past lives. 164:3.4

Bible parallels

Passages that the paragraphs cited above parallel, quote or reinterpret, from Duane Faw’s Paramony cross-references. Hover a reference to read it.

• Natural as shadow of spiritual 170:5.2 — Col 2:16-17; Heb 8:4-5; Heb 10:1.

Where it appears

Platonism is linked in 3 paragraphs of the text.

See also

• Greece:Greek religion
• Plato

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