The church fathers went to great lengths to prove that Moses was both more antique than Greek sages, and also to show that the Greek sages were dependent on Moses. While historically plausible, these efforts a form of Christian apologetics done within the confines of pagan thought. The assumption is that earlier is better, that the late-coming Jesus cannot be better than Plato, that the origin is always superior to the supplement and the cause greater than its effects. But this is precisely the tragic metaphysics and historical vision that the gospel challenges. The earlier is not necessarily the better, and the origin is not necessarily more important than or even more originary than its supplement. “Before Abraham was, I am,” said Jesus, showing that the son is “prior to” the Father.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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