Divine Lexicon

Term

Neoplatonism

A philosophical system developed by Plotinus that emphasizes a hierarchy of reality from the perfect "One" down to matter, building on Plato's ideas regarding the soul and the divine source of the world.

Filed underHistorical Theology

Definition

A philosophical system developed by Plotinus that builds on Plato's ideas, emphasizing a hierarchy of reality from the perfect "One" down to matter. It retains concepts like the two worlds, the soul as intermediary, and the world's derivation from a divine source, while also highlighting the importance of beauty.

Sources

  1. 1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 591Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 591.

Last revised August 14, 2026