Neoplatonism

"A biblical scholar, he endlessly preached Old Testament virtues to me, and to this very day I remember his tedious disquisitions of Neoplatonism, the evils of nominalism, the genius of Aquinas, and such seers as Jakob Böhme."

Rutherford Calhoun’s master lectures him about the ideals of the Bible and Neoplatonism.

Neoplatonism is a greek, pagan philosophy

developed by Plotinus. The philosophy challenged skepticism, which is the idea that certain knowledge is impossible. On the other hand, the philosophy encouraged and influenced mysticism, which is the belief that comprehension of seemingly intangible, spiritual knowledge may be grasped through contemplation and self-surrender. Neoplatonism has religious overtones because Plotinus believed that people desired a life that surpasses human apprehension and enters a level of divine intelligence.

"Neoplatonism." The Columbia Encyclopedia. 6th ed. N. pag. Questia Online
Library. Web. 13 Sept. 2015.

Rutherford lacks Neoplatonic ideals, which ties into his lack of identity. His master educates Rutherford on the values of Neoplatonism in hopes that he would open his mind to spirituality and the benefits that accompany faith. Eventually, after an abundance of suffering, Rutherford looks to God and prays for support and compassion. Therefore, this reference foreshadows Rutherford's evolution from the thieving, morally unsound person, to an improved, self-aware individual.

"Be your Judas?" I asked. "A spy?"

Falcon wants Rutherford to tell him if the crew members and the slaves are talking about him, being his eyes and ears. Rutherford feels like he is betraying the crew.

Judas was one of Jesus' twelve apostles, and the one to betray Jesus. In exchange for thirty silver coins, Judas identified Jesus to the guards by kissing him, when they came to arrest him, leading him to die in the cross.

Charles Johnson uses the term Judas because it is now coined as someone who betrays someone else. Like Judas, Rutherford knows he should not accept it, yet he does so anyway for his own personal gain.

“A Biblical scholar, he endlessly preached Old Testament virtues to me, and to this very day I remember his tedious disquisitions on Neoplatonism, the evils of nominalism, the genius of Aquinas, and the work of such seers as Jakob Böhme.” (Johnson 3)

Rutherford's master claimed that Nominalism was evil. He believes that Nominalism is evil because it limits reason and restricts questions and answers that could otherwise be answered.

Nominalism- The idea that abstract words such as red, have no connection with the concept of an apple or a tomato. Rather than focusing on the abstract similarities, nominalism focuses on the different material properties of objects.

Nominalism deals with the idea that universals, or various objects labeled similarly, have nothing in common but their name. The author uses this reference because it is important for Rutherford to be able to distinguish the differences between unity and separation. By claiming that Nominalism is evil, the reverend is telling Rutherford to focus on the similarities that bring people together, rather than the differences that lead to separation.

"Nominalism." The Columbia Encyclopedia. 6th ed. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag.
Questia Online Library. Web. 13 Sept. 2015.

“A Biblical scholar, he endlessly preached Old Testament virtues to me, and to this very day I remember his tedious disquisitions on Neoplatonism, the evils of nominalism, the genius of Aquinas, and the work of such seers as Jakob Böhme.” (Johnson 3)

Rutherford's master claimed that Nominalism was evil. He believes that Nominalism is evil because it limits reason and restricts questions and answers that could otherwise be answered.

Nominalism- The idea that abstract words such as red, have no connection with the concept of an apple or a tomato. Rather than focusing on the abstract similarities, nominalism focuses on the different material properties of objects.

Nominalism deals with the idea that universals, or various objects labeled similarly, have nothing in common but their name. The author uses this reference because it is important for Rutherford to be able to distinguish the differences between unity and separation. By claiming that Nominalism is evil, the reverend is telling Rutherford to focus on the similarities that bring people together, rather than the differences that lead to separation.

"Nominalism." The Columbia Encyclopedia. 6th ed. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag.
Questia Online Library. Web. 13 Sept. 2015.