How Greek Philosophy Corrupted the Christian Concept of God

by Richard R. Hopkins

How Greek Philosophy Corrupted the Christian Concept of God brings profound new insights to the Trinitarian doctrines of "orthodox" Christianity. With clear and precise documentation, the book shows how these doctrines migrated into early Christianity from Greek philosophy. The various aspects of Trinitarian belief are isolated, linked to their Greek sources, and carefully analyzed to show they differ radically from biblical teaching. The writings of early church fathers, portrayed in their historical context, show that during the second century, theological concepts taught in Platonism were adopted as Christianity struggled to end Roman persecution. Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a famous Stoic philosopher, was putting Christians to death because their belief did not conform to the Hellenized religion of the day. The book shows that the early Church Fathers sought to save their people's lives by redefining the Christian God in Greek terms. Their efforts brought metaphysics to Christianity and ushered in concepts like the Trinity. After presenting the historical setting in which these philosophical errors were embraced as Christian doctrine, the book compares orthodox Christian theology today, called "classical theism," to biblical teachings. The book identifies how Greek phillosophy has influenced major atributes of God taught in classical theism. The book constitutes a major challenge to those who accept the tenants of classical theism but do not know the many aspects of their doctrine that are based on Greek philosophy.

Genres: Lds, Philosophy, History

464 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[Robert]

This book opened a door to some very fruitful study about early church history and Christian doctrine and changed my concept of the origin of the doctrine of the Trinity. I doubt that many understand the overwhelming Greek influence on traditional Christian doctrine. This book, written from an LDS point of view, adds a great deal of information helpful to understand the concept of "the great apostasy" in the first several centuries after the death of Christ. An excellent read.

[Mike]

Hopkins lays it all out there - how the views of the thinkers of the first few centuries shaped Christian doctrine and thought. You are able to see how "God lost his body" by the time we get to the fourth century. Through the writings of these thinkers we can see how the vision Nephi had in 1 Nephi 13 played out. History and prophecy are illustrated well - if you want more details into how the early Christian Church slipped into a long night of apostasy, this book is a great start!

[James Enkey]

Very good book for understanding greek philosophy and how it was applied to early christian thought. Just a bit too apologetic for my taste.

[Sam Skousen]

Great book that opens an understanding of current Christianity and its involvement with Greek philosophy and the deviation from Christ's teachings and that of the ancient prophets and apostles. It keeps the philosophy simple but in enough depth to understand what the ancients taught and how they thought. The references allow you to go in further depth if desired or needed. It shows the reasons why the early church fathers embraced Greek philosophy as they deviated from the pure doctrines of Christ.

[Joanne]

Recommended by Orson Scott Card in his MT column.