What Does Athens Have To Do With Jerusalem?

"What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem" is a question that was posed by Tertullion centuries back. It is essentially a reference to the long standing dilemma which is posed by intellectual history's odd bedfellows: namely philosophy and theology.

In fact the debate continues even today. When talking about this question it is important to make note of St. Augustine who proposed that pagan classical could not only be compatible with, but also enrich, Christian theology.

"Athens" here represents the belief that truth has to be discovered through reason. It implies cognition, philosophy, and essentially science. "Jerusalem" on the other hand represents the view stance that truth is actually delivered by means of the insights of revelation. It thus symbolizes spiritual aspiration to holiness, or possibly purity of soul.