Philosophy in Christian Antiquity [Paperback]

A brief, lucid and systematic account of the origin of philosophy and how it transformed Christian thought.Written for nonspecialist readers, this book provides a concise survey of the emergence of philosophy among the Greeks, an account of its continuance in early Christian times, and its influence on early Christian thought, especially in formulating the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation.Written for nonspecialist readers, this book provides a concise survey of the emergence of philosophy among the Greeks, an account of its continuance in early Christian times, and its influence on early Christian thought, especially in formulating the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation.Christianity began as a little-known Jewish sect, but rose within 300 years to dominate the civilized world. It owed its rise in part to inspired moral leadership, but also to its success in assimilating, criticizing and developing the philosophies of the day. This book, which is written for nonspecialist readers, provides a concise conspectus of the emergence of philosophy among the Greeks, an account of its continuance in early Christian times, and its influence on early Christian thought, especially in formulating the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation.Foreword; List of abbreviations; Part I. The Philosophical Background; 1. From the beginnings to Socrates; 2. Socrates and the Platonic forms; 3. The philosophy of Plato's maturity; 4. Aristotle; 5. Epicurus and the Stoics; 6. The Middle Platonists and Philo of Alexandria; 7. The philosophy of late antiquity; Part II. The Use of Philosophy in Christian Theology: 8. The debate about Christian philosophy; 9. Greek and Hebrew conceptions of God; 10. Proofs of God's existence; 11. God as simple, unchanging being; 12. How God is described; 13. Logos and Spirit; 14. Unity of substance; 15. Substance and persons; 16. Christ as God and man; 17. Two natures united; PART III. Augustine: 18. Philosophy, faith and knowledge; 19. l³%