Final answer:
The theme of shadow and reality in the epistle to the Hebrews is most similar to the views expressed by Plato, who spoke of the physical world being a shadow of a higher, eternal reality, a concept that is paralleled in the Hebrews' contrasting of the earthly temple with a heavenly one.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme of shadow and reality in the epistle to the Hebrews is most closely aligned with the views that were expressed by Plato. In his philosophy, as represented in works such as the 'Republic' and 'Timaeus', Plato speaks of the physical world as a shadow of a higher, truer reality which is eternal and unchanging. This concept is echoed in the epistle to the Hebrews which contrasts the physical temple in Jerusalem with a heavenly temple, suggesting the former is just a 'copy and shadow' of the latter.
While early Christian writers and philosophers like Philo of Alexandria tried to combine Jewish scripture with Platonic ideas, particularly the notion of forms as eternal truths, the New Testament writings do reveal an intentional use of Platonic concepts and terminology. The intermingling of Platonic philosophy and Christian theology during this era does not imply a direct copying but rather an integration of philosophical constructs into religious narratives.
Therefore, of the options provided, Plato's philosophy is the one that most closely resonates with the themes presented in the epistle to the Hebrews, especially considering the historic context where the boundaries between philosophy and religion were not as distinct as they may be considered today.