Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.31337/oz.72.4.6
Christians, Pagans and Neoplatonists — The Problem of Relations in Late Antiquity
Tomislav Čanković
orcid.org/0000-0002-7381-5900
Abstract
This article reevaluates the popular perception of the struggle between a dying paganism and a triumphant Christianity in late antiquity and focuses on the textual „battle of the minds“ between some of the most prominent figures of Neoplatonic philosophy and Christian thought. After clarifying some terminology issues and addressing the place of pagans in the society of that time, the article examines the differences amongst Neoplatonic philosophers in regard to Christianity and amongst Christian authors in regard to Neoplatonism and philosophy in general, thus avoiding the simple division between the two. Neoplatonists are represented by the symbolic use of Athens and Alexandria, which indicate various dispositions and attitudes towards Christianity. On the other hand, Christians are presented through the different levels of their (dis)agreement with Neoplatonism and stances ranging from defensive through tolerant to aggressive. The complexity of such relations is further revealed by introducing Synesius of Cyrene, a student of Neoplatonism from Alexandria who was elected bishop of Ptolemais in North Africa.
Keywords
Christianity; Neoplatonism; paganism; Synesius of Cyrene
Hrčak ID:
193035
URI
Publication date:
22.1.2018.
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