ICYMI: The Biblical Authors vs. Greek Philosophy (Joseph Dodson) Ep. 180

This episode was originally published on April 2, 2021. We thought it was worth a reissue for our newer listeners.

In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson sits down with Dr. Joseph Dodson to explore the intersection of Greco-Roman philosophy, Stoicism, and Hebraic thought in shaping the New Testament. Dr. Dodson explains how the Bible didn’t emerge in a vacuum but within a dynamic cultural context influenced by Judaism and Greco-Roman ideas.

The discussion highlights Stoicism, the dominant philosophy of the first century, which emphasized overcoming passions, achieving contentment, and the transformative power of reason. Dr. Dodson demonstrates how Stoic principles overlap with Christian teachings, as seen in Paul’s writings and the Gospel of John, which incorporates philosophical concepts like the Logos. He also examines how biblical authors adapted, affirmed, and challenged these ideas to articulate a distinctly Hebraic worldview.

Dr. Dodson emphasizes the importance of studying texts like the Apocrypha and Greco-Roman writings to fully grasp the intellectual milieu of early Christianity. He explains how Jewish and Hellenistic ideas coexisted in a “roundabout,” influencing each other in profound ways.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hebraic and Greco-Roman Thought
04:09 The Influence of Stoicism on New Testament Texts
13:32 Philosophical Foundations: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
20:01 The Interplay of Hellenistic and Hebrew Intellectualism
29:00 Recommended Readings for Understanding Context