Hollow Philosophy? Wisdom of this Age? The thinking behind what passes for Christianity. Do not be taken captive by it.
What often passes, among ordinary folk in Christian heritage countries, as Christianity, is really Platonism. Ideas of what it means to be divine are perhaps more about Platonism and less about teachings of the Christ, Jesus.
Much of what has historically passed as Christianity, especially in intellectual and theological traditions, is deeply influenced by Platonism. The way divinity is conceived in Christian doctrine owes a great deal to Platonic and later Neoplatonic ideas, often more so than to the direct teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels.
Jesus’ teachings emphasize the relational aspects of God—love, mercy, justice, and the coming of God's kingdom on Earth. His focus is often ethical and eschatological rather than metaphysical. He speaks of God as a Father who cares for His children, forgives sinners, and calls for radical love. While he does assert his unity with the Father, his emphasis is on faith, transformation, and social justice rather than abstract discussions of divine essence.
As Christianity developed, particularly in the early centuries when it was shaped by thinkers like Augustine, Origen, and the Cappadocian Fathers, it absorbed a significant amount of Greek philosophical thought. Platonism provided a framework for understanding divinity as transcendent, immutable, and perfect. The Nicene doctrine of God as an absolute, unchanging essence and the Logos theology of John’s Gospel reflect a heavily Hellenized interpretation of Jesus’ significance. The idea of heaven as a realm of perfect, immaterial Forms, the soul’s ascent toward divine perfection, and the notion that God is the highest Good all show Platonic influence.
For many ordinary Christians throughout history, their understanding of God has been shaped by these Platonic-influenced doctrines rather than by a purely scriptural or historical Jesus-centered theology. Concepts such as the immortality of the soul, the beatific vision (seeing God as the ultimate fulfillment of human existence), and even the nature of divine omniscience and omnipotence have as much to do with Plato and his followers as with the teachings of Jesus.
This synthesis of Platonism and Christianity is not necessarily a distortion but rather an evolution of Christian thought as it engaged with the dominant philosophical traditions of the time. Whether this blending is seen as an enrichment or a departure from Jesus’ original message depends on one’s perspective.
What then is real Christianity? Firstly it is to believe in Jesus as the true guide sent by God, the mercy of God, the Christ come in the flesh. However, to be truly free from sin and bad habits, a person must also follow and live by His teachings. Jesus said that those who hold to His words are the ones who will know the truth, and that truth will set them free. Many people may say they believe in Him, but if they do not obey His teachings, their lives remain unchanged. Real faith leads to action—listening to His words, applying them daily, and allowing them to shape thoughts, choices, and behaviors. Without this, a person may still be trapped in harmful ways, even if they claim to believe. Jesus’ teachings provide the real path to freedom, and only those who commit to following Him fully will experience the transformation He promises.
