Evidence of Greek Philosophical Concepts in the Writings of Ephrem the Syrian

Book excerpt: Ephrem the Syrian (d. 373) has often been taken to represent an unhellenized Semitic form of Christianity in unbroken continuity with the tradition of Jesus and the apostles. This somewhat romanticized view of Ephrem disregards the fact that Syria had been subject to Greek influence since its conquest centuries earlier by Alexander the Great. Ephrem's own writings however frequently betray a familiarity with Greek philosophical ideas. This book first introduces Ephrem's intellectual context and his attitude towards learning. It then systematically analyzes parallels between Ephrem and Greek writers on the subjects of atomism, space, on corporeals, vision, and the four elements. This study thereby demonstrates that Ephrem draws not only on Semitic cultural traditions, but also on Greek philosophical thought.