Lord Over All

In yesterday's class, we discussed some of the ways in which echos of Plato's dualism continue to influence the world in which we live today. Plato was correct in pointing out the duality of reality; this world is not all there is. The problem lies in the fact that his philosophy places an overemphasis on the unseen spiritual realm and dismisses the value of the material world. Duality, yes. Dualism, no. The Christian doctrine of creation shows no such enmity between the body and soul. Plato sees the physical realm as an evil that one must endure until the soul breaks free from the body, its "prisonhouse," and returns to its former state of perfection. Unfortunately, this doesn't always last since the soul continues its journey of transmigration when it must return to the "dreary world of matter" (as he says in the Republic) and inhabit another body.

This disdain for the physical world spills over into a devaluing of physical labor and those who perform it and an exaltation of those who are employed in activities that are "good for the soul." Plato's influence has led many to believe that the priesthood, or even the life of a pastor or missionary, is more holy than that of other professions. It must be noted that Plato included philosophers in the first category as those who look after the things of the soul. In his ideal city, philosopher-kings would rule!

In our current society, we see the imposition of a sacred/secular divide. God, religion and matters of the soul are all well and good as long as they do not escape the walls of the church. The Christian sees no such divide; Jesus Christ is Lord over all areas of life both inside and outside the church walls. This is not to say that believers see no difference in the roles of church and government. Martin Luther's "Creator-Redeemer Distinction" exemplifies this and sees all of life under Christ's Lordship. (Students, remind me to discuss this next time.)

I will close with a definition of "secular" which was given by one of my former students: "The secular world is not one in which God does not exist; it is one in which He is ignored." I couldn't have said it better!