Philo (20 BC - 50 AD)

Likely the founder of Christianity, Philo considers the world a divine creation: God is "the efficient cause," whereas matter is "the affected cause." Although essentially defective, the physical nature of man allows the spirit to build knowledge of the world by means of the senses. The spiritual nature of Man is higher due to reason, which can control irrational desires and has access to heavenly things. 

Modern Reflection  

Philo’s blend of Greek philosophy and Jewish theology anticipates modern attempts to reconcile scientific reasoning with spiritual or cultural identity. His view that the human mind participates in a divine rational order parallels contemporary discussions about meaning, transcendence, and the grounding of values. While his allegorical method differs from modern scholarship, his effort to integrate reason and faith remains relevant. He suggests that freedom involves aligning personal intention with a larger moral structure.