>>Thus we see that the doctrine of the Trinity owes far less to the Bible than it does to the metaphysical speculations of Plato and other pagan Greek philosophers.
What does this mean then? Most of Plato’s ideals are easily delineated into beliefs that earth is a translation of a supernatural realm where true forms are mimicked in earthly “realities”. Furthermore, paganism is a completely different genre of beliefs from the inductive reasoning that Plato pursued. Pagans worshiped numerous Gods from mythological or traditional ideals; Plato tried to generalize the spiritual world from what he found on Earth - the two processes are completely different.
If Christ had not mentioned the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit itself had not been involved with Christ’s birth (Luke 1:35), you might have a leg to stand on.
I apologize but this article isn't a stand alone article and out of context it doesn't really explain what the author's opinion is of the Godhead. I posted it to complement anothe article...The Surprising Origins of the Trinity Doctrine.
You might want to read the entire booklet Is God a Trinity" to understand the context better...thanks!
“What does this mean then? Most of Plato’s ideals are easily delineated into beliefs that earth is a translation of a supernatural realm where true forms are mimicked in earthly “realities”. Furthermore, paganism is a completely different genre of beliefs from the inductive reasoning that Plato pursued. Pagans worshiped numerous Gods from mythological or traditional ideals; Plato tried to generalize the spiritual world from what he found on Earth - the two processes are completely different.
If Christ had not mentioned the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit itself had not been involved with Christ’s birth (Luke 1:35), you might have a leg to stand on.”
It’s ironic he would make the argument, considering the UCG is, in fact, polytheistic. Thus, his theology is actually the ‘pagan’ construct. The scripture, on the other hand, stands on its own.
I assume the term “pagan” was there used to mean pre-Abrahamic, meaning before Judaism, Christianty, or Islam. Though that usually implies polytheism, all it etymologically means is “folksy” and “rustic.” Peasant religion, in other words. There was such a thing as monotheism prior to Jews. See Amun-Ra in ancient Egypt.
You are correct to emphasize the similarity between Platonic philosophy and Christian theology. Many have commented on the God-like quality of “the Good.” Some theorize one of the reasons Socrates was killed for impiety and corruption of the youth is because he taught monotheism.
Correct. Platonic philosophy was far more sophisticated...