Early Church Fathers on Plato: Adoption and Adaptation
The views of early Christian Fathers on Plato's philosophy were diverse. Theophilus of Antioch and Tertullian criticized it as “worthless and godless,” arguing that philosophy led to heresies. Conversely, Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria regarded Platonism as an incomplete precursor to Christianity. At Mars Hill (Acts 17), Paul employed Socratic dialogue from Plato. The Cappadocian Fathers—Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory of Nazianzus—embraced certain Platonic ideas. Augustine commended Platonism for acknowledging an unchangeable first form but pointed out Plato's inability to recognize the living God. The Fathers reinterpreted Platonic terminology, modifying concepts such as "theology" and "Logos" to align with Christian doctrine while discarding non-Christian aspects.
Key facts
- Theophilus of Antioch called Plato's philosophy 'worthless and godless opinions' (To Autolycus, Book 3, Chapters 2, 3).
- Tertullian claimed 'heresies are instigated by philosophy' (Against Heresies, Chapter 7).
- Paul used Socratic dialogue from Plato at Mars Hill (Acts 17) to argue for the Gospel.
- Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria believed Plato borrowed from Moses and the Old Testament.
- Basil the Great (c. AD 330–379) encouraged studying pagan authors but warned against immoral content.
- Gregory of Nyssa (c. AD 335–c. 394/39) mirrored Plato's 'Ladder of Love' but Christianized it.
- Gregory of Nazianzus (c. AD 329–390) said philosophy supplied frameworks but only scripture led to God.
- Augustine (AD 354–430) praised Platonism for recognizing an unchangeable first form and a creator.
Entities
Artists
- Plato
- Aristotle
- Homer
- Moses
- Paul
- Jesus Christ
- Theophilus of Antioch
- Tertullian
- Justin Martyr
- Clement of Alexandria
- Basil the Great
- Gregory of Nyssa
- Gregory of Nazianzus
- Augustine
- John the Apostle
- Raphael
- Anselm Feuerbach
- John La Farge
- Philippe de Champaigne
- Salvator Rosa
Institutions
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- Apostolic Palace
- Supreme Court Room, Minnesota State Capitol
- Wikimedia Commons
Locations
- Athens
- Greece
- Mars Hill
- Caesarea
- Cappadocia
- Turkey
- Nyssa
- Saint Paul
- Minnesota
- United States