Platonism has played a central role in Christianity and is essential to a deep understanding of the Christian theological tradition. At times, Platonism has constituted an essential philosophical and theological resource, furnishing Christianity with an intellectual framework that has played a key role in its early development, and in subsequent periods of renewal. Alternatively, it has been considered a compromising influence, conflicting with the faith's revelatory foundations and distorting its inherent message. In both cases the fundamental importance of Platonism, as a force which Christianity defined itself by and against, is clear. Written by an international team of scholars, this landmark volume examines the history of Christian Platonism from antiquity to the present day, covers key concepts, and engages issues such as the environment, natural science and materialism.

''What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?' Tertullian famously asked. For every Christian thinker like Tertullian or Adolph Harnack who questioned the relation between Platonism and Christianity, there have been at least dozen others who have welcomed Platonism in its many varieties as an invaluable conversation partner in the effort to express the inner meaning of Christian faith and its commitment to transcendence. Christian Platonism: A History is a bold and comprehensive study of the interaction of the Platonic tradition and Christian thought over the past two millennia. More than twenty essays by noted scholars explore the concepts, the history, and the implications of Christian Platonism in a stunning new contribution to a perennial issue.'

Bernard McGinn - University of Chicago Divinity School

'It is hard now to remember that just a few decades ago it was generally assumed that a 'dePlatonising' of Christianity was desirable. Today, the intimate relationship between Christianity and something broadly 'Platonic' from the outset is often seen as ineradicable and essential. Moreover, a deepening comprehension of this relationship is regarded as one key to a creative development of Christian theology and practice in the future. The essays in this splendid volume by a glittering array of distinguished scholars and thinkers explain exactly why.'

John Milbank - University of Nottingham

'This comprehensive collection of essays elucidates why Jerusalem cannot leave Athens behind. The superb quality of Hampton and Kenney’s book witnesses to the continuing relevance of the participatory ontology of the Christian tradition.'

Hans Boersma Source: Nasthotah House Theological Seminary

'Far from considering Christian Platonism a mere stepchild, skirting the bounds of theological doctrine with remarkable spiritual fervor, this volume embraces and explores its richness as a font and wellspring of organic wisdom. I warmly recommend it.'

Willemien Otten - University of Chicago Divinity School

'This book is a most welcome contribution to the burgeoning scholarly literature on Christian Neoplatonism. Neoplatonism is the longest and most enduring tradition in the history of philosophy and yet perhaps the most neglected. The Neoplatonic principle that all things are one in the One, that itself is Goodness beyond being, has inspired philosophers, theologians, and poets, and provided the very framework for the Christian tradition (and also heavily influenced Judaism, Islam and even later Indian thought). This edited volume, by internationally acclaimed scholars addresses this neglect with a comprehensive treatment, explaining in a readable manner the central concepts, themes of Neoplatonism and its engagements with science, religion and the arts.'

Dermot Moran - Boston College

‘This wonderful book will be of use to scholars and students for many years to come … Highly recommended.’

A. Jaeger Source: Choice

'Gratitude is due to the editors for their attempts to weave the history of Christian Platonism into a larger tapestry depicting the history of Platonic thought within the Abrahamic traditions.'

Sean Hannan Source: Reading Religion

‘This dense volume is very welcome …’

Ilaria L. E. Ramelli Source: The Thomist

‘… timely and instructive … an absolute must-read for advanced students and scholars in theology and philosophy.’

Paul M. Gould Source: Religious Studies Review

‘The volume traces Christian reception of both Plato as well as subsequent philosophical iterations of Platonic-inspired schools … It is an intimidating task for any volume of collected essays to undertake. But the book does a wonderful job of capturing the scope of such a project by distinguishing three primary areas for reflection: the conceptual, the historical, and the topical … I cannot recommend this volume enough for its scholarly erudition. After one finishes Christian Platonism, one wishes only for its continuation.’

Jessica L. D. Jones Source: Review of Metaphysics

'… a carefully conceived and commendably executed systematic exploration of a diverse, complex and vibrant tradition within Christianity: magnificent.'

Robin Parry Source: Modern Believing

‘The book is a microcosm of the diversity of perspectives and applications of Christian Platonism at play in current scholarship, and for that reason, it should be read carefully and in dialogue with the broader literature. Hampton and Kenney are to be commended for producing a readable and unique volume that comes at a critical time in the conversation.’

Garrett M. Walden Source: International Journal of Systematic Theology