Plato’s Timaeus and the Biblical Creation Accounts: Cosmic Monotheism and Terrestrial Polytheism in the Primordial History

Platos' Timaeus and the Biblical Creation Accounts argue that the creation of the world in Genesis 1 and the story of the first humans in Genesis 2-3 both draw directly on Platos' account of the origins of the universe, mortal life, and evil. It shows that the idea of a monotheistic cosmic god was first introduced in Genesis 1 under the influence of Platos' philosophy and that this cosmic Creator was originally distinct from the lesser terrestrial gods, including Yahweh. It also confirms the late date and Hellenistic background of Genesis 1-11, drawing on Platos' writings and other Greek sources found at the Great Library of Alexandria.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Timaeus and the Biblical Creation Accounts present a compelling argument that the creation of the world in Genesis 1 and the account of the first humans in Genesis 2-3 are closely linked to Plato's renowned account of the origins of the universe, mortal life, and evil. This book is groundbreaking in its systematic comparison of biblical, Ancient Near Eastern, and Greek creation accounts, revealing a significant debt to Plato's Timaeus and other cosmogonies by Greek natural philosophers. It suggests that the concept of a monotheistic cosmic god was first introduced in Genesis 1 under the influence of Plato's philosophy, and that this cosmic Creator was initially distinct from the lesser terrestrial gods, such as Yahweh, who appear elsewhere in Genesis. The book also demonstrates the use of Plato's Critias, the sequel to Timaeus, in the stories of the Garden of Eden, the intermarriage of the sons of God and the daughters of men, and the biblical flood. Furthermore, it confirms the late date and Hellenistic background of Genesis 1-11, drawing on Plato's writings and other Greek sources discovered at the Great Library of Alexandria.

This study offers a captivating perspective on Genesis that will appeal to students and scholars in biblical and classical studies, philosophy, and creation narratives. It sheds light on the intricate connections between these ancient texts and provides valuable insights into the philosophical and theological themes that underlie the narratives of creation. By exploring the interplay between Platonic and biblical ideas, this book offers a fresh and innovative approach to understanding the origins of the world and the human experience.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032020846