Philo of Alexandria

Philo of Alexandria, the first true western esotericist, is discussed in this episode. Topics include his involvement in politics and philosophy, his fusion of Greek philosophy with Judaism, his projects and structure of works, his belief in hidden esoteric meanings of scriptures, and his pioneering work on numerical interpretation of texts.

Philo of Alexandria, a key figure in Hellenistic Judaism, fused Platonism with scripture, revolutionizing biblical interpretation. His allegorical methods, especially concerning Adam and Eve, set the stage for later Christian thought. Following him, Clement of Alexandria expanded these ideas to Christian scriptures, exploring the intersection of philosophy and faith. They discuss how Alexandria served as a cultural melting pot, influencing early Christianity and shaping theological debates that echoed through generations.