I enjoyed this book very much. John Mark Reynolds has made a cogent argument that Christianity arose on the world scene at a most appropriate time in history.  In fact, he argues that the timing of the advent of Christ was perfect given the development of Greek thought in the centuries leading up to the time of Christ.  Moreover, Reynolds makes the compelling case that New Testament texts and doctrine must necessarily be understood from the perspective of the ancient Greek mindset.  The New Testament was written in Greek, and its gospel message spread to a Greek influenced world.

In laying out his argument, I found very useful Reynolds’s detailing of the thought and writings of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. It was interesting to note some threads of profound truth that these men were able to discern through thoughtful philosophical inquiry prior to New Testament biblical or scientific revelation and centuries before the development of modern democratic republics.

Socrates insisted that one examine one’s life (p. 64). This is a New Testament concept.  Paul wrote, “Let a man examine himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28).  Socrates believed that radical equality was hostile to freedom or liberty (pg. 65).  This also is a biblical concept.  God said through the prophet Ezekiel, “the soul that sinneth, it shall die,” meaning equality in the extreme is unfair.  Rather, in God’s court, each person justly receives what is due him based upon merit, not position or birth.

Reynolds summarizes Plato’s keen observation that “democracy inevitably leads to tyranny” (p. 170). This is a sentiment that we are seeing in our own country today where the masses, able to demand greater and greater government programs through the operation of their collective votes, are becoming tyrants over business, the affluent and the old political aristocracy.  Plato suggests that a kingdom is the best form of government (p. 171), if a philosopher-king sits on its throne.  How true this will be when Christ returns.

I was somewhat surprised to learn through the readings that Atlantis was a myth from Plato. But the truth contained in the myth that “cultures ruled by virtue do not fall in the end to cultures governed by mere power and pride” (p. 177), again shows a striking insight that is born out in the geo-political posture of the United States, who has sought, alongside her own interests, to serve as the policeman of the world.  Though erroneously attributed to de Tocqueville, the following quote from The Herald and Presbyter summarizes the sentiment.  “America is great because America is good.”  If she ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.  It seems obvious that the development of Greek thought laid a solid foundation for the advent of Christ and the growth and maturity of the Christian world.