39.5k views
1 vote
Philo of Alexandria used the allegorical method of Scripture interpretation to ___________ Judaism.

1) attack
2) support
3) denigrate
4) dismiss

User Dmcshehan
by
8.0k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

Philo of Alexandria used the allegorical method to support Judaism by harmonizing it with Greek philosophy, helping to lay the groundwork for early Christian doctrine.

Step-by-step explanation:

Philo of Alexandria, a Jewish philosopher from the Roman province of Egypt, engaged in the allegorical method of Scripture interpretation to support Judaism during an era of Hellenistic influence. Philo sought to harmonize Jewish scriptural teachings with Greek philosophy, particularly Platonic ideas.

By identifying Plato's forms with the logos or the thoughts of God, Philo depicted the divine saying 'Let there be light' as the action of the unmoved mover's logos, thus rationalizing and affirming Jewish beliefs through the lens of Greek philosophical concepts. His work was instrumental in developing early Christian doctrine and served to reinforce the Jewish faith amidst external cultural pressures.

User Sherwood Wang
by
7.5k points