Posting this because I think it’s an interesting examination of the overlap (or lack thereof) between atheists and general skeptics. It’s worth remembering that the term ‘atheism’ only means a rejection of theistic beliefs; non-theistic beliefs that are nonetheless irrational and unsupported by evidence are not relevant to the term. And yet one can easily see why there is an overlap between these two communities and why many atheists scoff at other atheists who profess belief in things like astrology, ghosts, reincarnation, etc.
I’m definitely one of those who doesn’t believe in anything supernatural, but I’ve certainly met atheists who do. It’s worth remembering the two groups aren’t synonymous.
Neo-Platonism could give you a heaven without a deity in the traditional sense. Ironically, Plotinus’ work has been almost entirely co-oped as a Greek replacement for the Judaic foundation of Christianity by most modern Christians.
Honestly, it’s my first time hearing about Neo-Platonism, but from a brief Wikipedia-fueled pseudo-education about the subject, my first impression is that “the One” seems like an archaic product from a time when our species’ best philosophy was still somewhat indistinguishable from religion. I would agree it seems to essentially be the deist notion of “God.” And “returning to the One” does sound like Heaven and reincarnation like Purgatory. I can see why the Christians leapt on it.
Still, how many people subscribe to that particular religious/philosophical belief structure today? I honestly think it’s more likely the woman in question subscribed to some New Age bullshit.
Almost certainly the case for the woman in question, I just think Neo-Platonism is fascinating.
While Neo-Platonism is not directly represented in most Christian teaching, it is very much the lens through which most Christians have read and thought about the Bible for well over a thousand years.
Ever hear someone explain evil as simply the absence of good? Plotinus.
The existence of an immortal soul as a spiritual essence distinct from the body? Plotinus
The idea the spiritual things are good and physical are bad? Plotinus.
Most Christians accept these ideas all at face value even though they don’t come from the Bible.
On his podcast, The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps, professor Peter Adamson notes that Plotinus is probably one of the top 5 most influential minds in Western thought and yet he’s largely unknown.
Personally, I believe it’s because of how Christian’s glommed onto Greco-Roman thought and incorporated it into their own beliefs.
Got the podcast’s title saved in a notepad file now, and I’ll definitely check it out later. Thanks for the reference.