The Danger of the Confluence of Neoplatonism and Christianity for Biblical Teachings on Salvation

Abstract

This paper argues that Neoplatonism’s aim to merge Greek Philosophy and Christianity was not without its impact on the biblical concept of salvation. This confluence presupposes a cosmic order of existence according to which the physical is of a lower order of reality than the non-physical. On the other hand, Christianity is based on Jesus Christ and the Bible, where God, depicted as personal, is both beyond this world and present in it. Neoplatonism views salvation as the soul merging with the One, a concept that is difficult to explain and stands in stark contrast to the biblical understanding of the same themes. The paper concludes by highlighting the relevance and danger of Neoplatonism on Christian believers, underscoring the weight of this argument.