The Flight From Humanity: A Study of the Effect of Neoplatonism on Christianity

The greatest threats to Christianity are those that are most unknown to the average Christian. The most difficult threats to discern are those that are blended into our very worldview - the ones that we think are true. The Scripture warns, 'If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!' (Mt. 6:23), i.e., the worst kind of darkness is the darkness we think is light.

One of the most neglected but pervasive threats to the Christian world and life view is that of neoplatonism. This leftover of ancient Greek philosophy is grounded upon a dual aspect to reality: It views that which is form or spirit (such as mind) as good an that which is physical (flesh) as evil. Neoplatonism is a 'dialectical' philosophy that tries to reconcile two basically hostile concepts and retain both within its system.

Neoplatonism presents man's dilemma as a metaphysical one, whereas Scripture presents it as a moral problem. Basing Christianity on this false neoplatonic idea will always shirt the faith away from the Biblical perspective. Modern ideas of spirituality have developed into a form of over against the Biblical model where the Spirit of God is active in the world and in the person to work out the will of God. Too many Christians believe they can escape sin if they can escape the material world. But Scripture says all of man fell into sin, not just his flesh.

Flight From Humanity is a revealing look into the nature and effect of neoplatonism on contemporary Christian thought, and it offers sound Biblical solutions for the believer who desires to fully serve God.