Research project
Transcendent Nexus: Rethinking Mediatorial Christology and the Neoplatonic Doctrine of Pure Souls in Late Antiquity
The project contends that in Late Antiquity (c. 300-500 AD) both the figure of Christ and those of Pythagoras and Socrates underwent a parallel process of metamorphosis facilitated not least through an intellectual exchange between Christian theologians and Neoplatonic philosophers. From Iamblichus (c. 245-325 AD) onwards, Neoplatonists reinterpreted figures like Pythagoras and Socrates as ‘pure souls’ sent to earth to save humankind. These saviour figures bear striking resemblances to Christologies that portray Christ as a subordinate divine mediator. Within this conceptual framework, I study the most influential thinkers of the late third to the first half of the fifth century. By juxtaposing subordinationist Christologies with the Neoplatonic doctrine of pure souls, I aim to demonstrate that a comprehensive understanding of late antique Christological debates requires an appreciation of the broader Neoplatonic discourse surrounding figures like Pythagoras and Socrates, and vice versa.
- Duration
- 2024 - 2026
- Contact
- Benedetto Neola
- Funding
- Marie Skłodowska Curie Postdoctoral European Fellowship (HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01-01, Project acronym: TRANEX, Project number: 101148944)
Transcendent Nexus: Rethinking Mediatorial Christology and the Neoplatonic Doctrine of Pure Souls in Late Antiquity (TRANEX) reconsiders the figure of Christ by situating his figure within the religious and philosophical landscape of Late Antiquity (3rd–6th c. AD), a period marked by theological debate and vibrant exchanges between Christian thinkers and Neoplatonic philosophers. Rather than treating Christ as an entirely unique figure, TRANEX explores how early Christian conceptions of Christ—as a subordinate divine mediator—echo contemporary Neoplatonic views of savior figures like Pythagoras and Socrates, understood by philosophers like Iamblichus and Proclus as “pure souls” sent to guide humanity.
The project focuses on the shared metaphysical ideas of mediation, subordination, and divine likeness, which formed a common conceptual ground across pagan and Christian thought. By tracing these intersections, TRANEX not only challenges conventional views of Christ’s uniqueness but also uncovers a deeper history of interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
In doing so, the project offers a timely contribution to contemporary debates: it reveals that religious pluralism and theological cross-pollination are not modern phenomena, but part of a long-standing shared heritage.
