Original Research

Beyond dualism: The sacred value of biological totems in Christian Platonic thought

Zhilong Yan, Aixin Zhang
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 80, No 1 | a10208 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v80i1.10208 | © 2024 Zhilong Yan, Aixin Zhang | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 02 September 2024 | Published: 29 November 2024

About the author(s)

Zhilong Yan, Research on Art Totem, Shanghai Theatre Academy, Shanghai, China
Aixin Zhang, Research on Art Totem, Shanghai Theatre Academy, Shanghai, China

Abstract

The Christian Platonic theology and philosophy have been criticised for many years by various scholars. The dualistic perspective may belittle the value of plant and animal kingdoms, entangling humans in anthropocentric bias and promoting hierarchical systems. However, subsequent theologians and philosophers interpreted these works in ways that allowed negative perspectives and misunderstandings of the material world and its symbols to develop, leaving a mark on history. Therefore, the discussed Christian Platonic theology represents a specific spiritual gnostic view with a unique perspective on spirituality. It values all living beings as uniquely revealing their divine nature. Therefore, although hierarchical views may exist, it does not mean any being should dominate. Instead, it means that, in the being’s participation in God’s manifestation, the being adds something unique regarding some of God’s features. This perspective allows for revising religious viewpoints that have been misunderstood or overly simplified and promotes a fundamental humanistic spirit of care for all living beings’ inborn spiritual significance.

Contribution: This article explores the sacred value of biological totems in Christian Platonic thought, revealing the divinity embodied in all forms of life through a re-examination of traditional dualistic views. This research contributes to ecological theology by emphasising the intrinsic connection between nature and divinity within the framework of Christian philosophy.


Keywords

Totem art; Christian Platonic theology; idolatry; dualism; biological divinity; ecological theology; natural theism

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

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