Neoplatonism

Neoplatonism is a philosophical system that emerged in the 3rd century AD and is based on the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato (428-348 BC). While not a Christian heresy in itself, Neoplatonism had a significant influence on early Christian thought and later led to various heresies when Christian doctrines were mixed with Neoplatonic ideas. Neoplatonism teaches a hierarchical view of reality, where the material world is a shadow of higher spiritual realities, and it emphasizes the soul’s ascent toward union with the One, the ultimate source of all existence.

Many early Christian theologians wrestled with Neoplatonic ideas, particularly in terms of how they aligned or conflicted with biblical theology. Some Christian heresies, such as Gnosticism and Origenism, were influenced by Neoplatonic concepts. These heresies distorted Christian teaching by incorporating Neoplatonism’s negative view of the material world, leading to deviations from the historic Christian view of creation, the incarnation, and salvation.

History of Neoplatonism

1. Origins in Plato’s Philosophy: Neoplatonism is a later development of Plato’s philosophy, particularly his metaphysical ideas found in works like The Republic and Timaeus. Plato proposed that the material world is a reflection of a higher, spiritual reality, and that true knowledge comes from contemplating the eternal forms or ideas that exist in this higher realm. For Plato, the material world is changeable and less real than the world of forms.

2. Plotinus and the Development of Neoplatonism: Plotinus (204-270 AD) is considered the founder of Neoplatonism. His teachings, preserved in the Enneads, synthesized and expanded upon Plato’s ideas, emphasizing the oneness of all reality and the hierarchical structure of existence. In Neoplatonism, all things emanate from the One, the ultimate source of all being and goodness. The One is beyond description and beyond being itself, and from it emanates the Nous (divine intellect) and the World Soul, which mediate between the One and the material world.

   Plotinus taught that human beings could attain union with the One through contemplation and spiritual purification, escaping the imperfections of the material world. Neoplatonism viewed the physical world as a lower, flawed reality, and emphasized the soul's ascent to a higher, spiritual existence.

3. Influence on Later Philosophers and Early Christians: Neoplatonism had a profound influence on later philosophers, such as Porphyry and Proclus, and on many Christian thinkers, particularly in Alexandria. Early Christian theologians such as Origen and Clement of Alexandria were deeply influenced by Platonic and Neoplatonic thought. While they attempted to adapt these ideas to fit within a Christian framework, some Neoplatonic ideas led to heresies when they were pushed too far, particularly in how they understood the relationship between the material and spiritual realms, and the nature of Christ’s incarnation.

4. Integration with Christian Thought: Although Neoplatonism is a pagan philosophy, it was highly influential during the early centuries of Christianity. Many early Christian theologians, especially those writing in Greek, found elements of Platonic philosophy helpful for explaining Christian doctrines, especially in areas like the nature of the soul and the spiritual ascent toward God. However, not all Neoplatonic ideas could be harmonized with Christian theology, and when Neoplatonism was embraced too fully, it led to distortions of the biblical message.

Theology of Neoplatonism

The central teachings of Neoplatonism revolve around the hierarchical structure of reality, the nature of the soul, and the process of spiritual ascent. Some of the key theological elements include:

1. The One and Emanation: At the core of Neoplatonic thought is the concept of the One (or the Good), which is the ultimate, transcendent reality and source of all existence. The One is beyond being and beyond comprehension. From the One emanates the Nous (divine intellect), which contains the forms or archetypes of all things, and the World Soul, which is the animating force of the universe. This process of emanation is similar to light spreading from a single source, with each level of reality further removed from the purity of the One.

2. Dualism of Spirit and Matter: Neoplatonism teaches a dualistic view of the world, where the spiritual realm is seen as pure, good, and perfect, while the material world is seen as lower, imperfect, and corruptible. The material world is not evil in itself (as in Gnosticism), but it is considered a shadow of the higher spiritual reality. The soul is seen as trapped in the material world and longs to return to its divine source.

3. The Ascent of the Soul: Neoplatonism emphasizes the soul’s ascent to the One. This is achieved through contemplation, mystical experience, and ascetic practices that help purify the soul from attachment to the material world. By rejecting physical desires and focusing on the divine, the soul can return to union with the One, transcending the limitations of the material body.

4. Salvation as Enlightenment: In Neoplatonism, salvation is not understood in terms of redemption from sin, as in Christian theology, but rather as enlightenment and liberation from the material world. It is about gnosis (knowledge) of the divine and the soul’s return to its original, spiritual state. The goal is to achieve union with the divine by ascending through the hierarchy of being.

Influence on Early Christian Thought and Heresies

1. Gnosticism: Neoplatonism influenced Gnostic thought, particularly in its dualism between the spiritual and material worlds. Gnosticism, like Neoplatonism, viewed the material world as a lower, corrupt realm, often created by a lesser god (the Demiurge). Gnostics taught that salvation came through secret knowledge (gnosis) that allowed the soul to escape the material world and return to the divine realm. This teaching was condemned as heretical by the early church because it contradicted the biblical view of creation, incarnation, and salvation.

2. Origenism: Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD) was a prominent early Christian theologian who was heavily influenced by Neoplatonic ideas. While Origen made significant contributions to Christian theology, some of his teachings were later condemned as heretical, particularly his views on the pre-existence of souls, the subordination of the Son to the Father, and universal salvation (the eventual return of all souls, including demons, to God). Origen’s incorporation of Neoplatonic ideas led him to downplay the goodness of creation and to adopt a view of salvation that was more focused on spiritual enlightenment and the soul’s return to God than on the atoning work of Christ.

3. Mysticism and Asceticism: Neoplatonism also influenced Christian mysticism and asceticism, particularly in monastic traditions. The Neoplatonic emphasis on the soul’s ascent to God and the rejection of worldly attachments influenced Christian ascetics who sought to renounce the world and focus on spiritual contemplation. While asceticism is not inherently heretical, when combined with Neoplatonism’s dualistic view of the material world, it could lead to a disparaging view of the body and creation, which contradicts the Christian doctrine that the material world is good, created by God (Genesis 1:31).

Why Neoplatonism is Considered Heretical When Applied to Christianity

Neoplatonism is not a Christian heresy in itself, but its ideas become problematic when they are misapplied to Christian theology. When elements of Neoplatonism are incorporated into Christian thought, they can lead to several heretical beliefs, including:

1. Denial of the Goodness of Creation: The Bible teaches that God created the material world and that it is fundamentally good (Genesis 1:31). Neoplatonism’s view of the material world as a lower or corrupt reality leads to a dualism that contradicts the biblical doctrine of creation. This dualism was central to Gnosticism and other heresies, which viewed the material world as inherently evil or as something to be escaped.

2. Distortion of the Incarnation: Neoplatonism’s emphasis on the inferiority of the material world and the soul’s escape from the body leads to a distorted view of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Christian doctrine of the incarnation teaches that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14), affirming the goodness of the material world and the importance of the physical body. Any attempt to minimize or spiritualize the incarnation in light of Neoplatonism undermines the heart of Christian salvation, which is grounded in Christ’s bodily death and resurrection.

3. Salvation as Enlightenment Rather Than Redemption: In Neoplatonism, salvation is primarily about knowledge (gnosis) and the soul’s ascent to the divine. This conflicts with the Christian understanding of salvation as redemption from sin through the atoning work of Christ. Salvation in Christianity is not simply about escaping the material world or attaining enlightenment, but about being reconciled to God through the death and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 3:23-25).

4. Pantheism and the Loss of God’s Personal Nature: Neoplatonism’s concept of the One is often seen as impersonal, more of an abstract principle than a personal, relational God. This is contrary to the Christian view of God as personal, relational, and actively involved in creation (Psalm 139:1-18; Matthew 6:9). Christian orthodoxy teaches that God is a Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who is both transcendent and immanent, and who seeks a personal relationship with His creation.

Historic Christian Orthodox View

The historic Christian orthodox view contrasts with Neoplatonism in the following key ways:

1. Affirmation of the Goodness of Creation: Christian orthodoxy teaches that the material world is good because it was created by God (Genesis 1:31). While the world is fallen due to sin, it is not inherently evil or something to be escaped. Instead, God’s plan is to redeem and restore both the spiritual and material aspects of creation (Romans 8:19-23; Revelation 21:1-5).

2. The Incarnation and the Full Humanity of Christ: Christianity teaches that God became fully human in Jesus Christ. The doctrine of the incarnation is central to Christian faith: Jesus, the eternal Son of God, took on human flesh to save humanity. This affirms the value of the physical body and the material world, in contrast to Neoplatonism’s tendency to devalue material existence.

3. Salvation Through Christ’s Atoning Work: In contrast to Neoplatonic ideas of enlightenment or spiritual ascent, the Bible teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning death on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 2:24). Salvation is not achieved by escaping the material world or gaining special knowledge but by being reconciled to God through Christ’s redemptive work.

4. God’s Personal Nature: Christian orthodoxy affirms that God is a personal being, not an abstract force or principle. God is triune—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and He relates to His creation in love. Neoplatonism’s concept of the impersonal One is incompatible with the Christian understanding of a personal, relational God who is actively involved in history and in the lives of His people.

Conclusion

Neoplatonism is a philosophical system that deeply influenced early Christian thought but became problematic when its ideas were mixed with Christian theology. Its emphasis on the hierarchical structure of reality, the spiritual ascent of the soul, and its dualistic view of matter and spirit led to deviations from the biblical understanding of creation, the incarnation, and salvation. While Neoplatonism is not inherently heretical on its own, its influence on Gnosticism, Origenism, and other early Christian heresies shows how its ideas can distort the historic Christian orthodox view. The Bible teaches that creation is good, that salvation comes through the atoning work of Christ, and that God is a personal being who desires relationship with His creation, all of which stand in contrast to the Neoplatonic worldview.