Wi Julian the Theologian?

Basically as it says on the tin, what if instead of renouncing Christianity Julian works on reconciling Neoplatonism and Christian philosophy/theology, in addition to his other reforms.

Now i know it wouldn't butterfly his eastern campaign completely as he needed to gain the support of the eastern legions, but purhaps without the need to prove himself to the predominantly Christian court & populace he makes a more cautious plan?
 
Basically as it says on the tin, what if instead of renouncing Christianity Julian works on reconciling Neoplatonism and Christian philosophy/theology, in addition to his other reforms.

Now i know it wouldn't butterfly his eastern campaign completely as he needed to gain the support of the eastern legions, but purhaps without the need to prove himself to the predominantly Christian court & populace he makes a more cautious plan?

Then, instead of being Julian the Apostate, he becomes Julian the Heretic. As the example of Monothelitism will prove three centuries later, when the emperor tries to impose a compromise solution in theological areas, the only thing he is achieving is to obtain the opposition of all the contending parties against his idea. Unlike OTL, were Julian could use a Divide et Impera to get the Christians weak by keeping them fighting each other, here he enters directly into the fray as his own particular side, fighting everyone simultaneously. Of course, he is the emperor and he can impose his will upon the Ecumenical Councils, but it will only last while he lives. Instead of getting the support of the two sides, Neoplatonism/Paganism and Christianity, he gets neither. If Julian wanted to play the Christian game (which he didn´t, because he was a true believer in Paganism, with its superstitions and mysteries, not just in neoplatonic philosophy), he needs to play it fully; that is, doing like his cousins, taking a side in the conflict between Arrianism and Orthodoxy and remain there. He can do some works on reconciliation, in the form of assimilation of Neoplatonic ideas or concepts by Christianity (it would not be the first time that pagan customs and ideas influenced it) but he must be subtle about it, and if we go by OTL, that is, he goes to Persia and dies there, he doesn´t have the time. However, if he were to have the time to do so, in the way I said, it could be doable. After all, St. Augustine of Hippo was influenced by neo-platonism. That is, it would not produce the effect or have the depth that someone like Julian would have wanted.
 
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Philip

Donor
Basically as it says on the tin, what if instead of renouncing Christianity Julian works on reconciling Neoplatonism and Christian philosophy/theology, in addition to his other reforms.

Let's not gloss over that the leading orthodox Christian theologians of the time were well versed in Neoplatonism. They did not hesitate to use its language and ideas when it suited their needs. I'm not sure what Julian could add here.

Instead of getting the support of the two sides, Neoplatonism/Paganism and Christianity, he gets neither.
Be careful conflating Neoplatonism with Roman Paganism. There is no fundamental alliance between Roman Paganism and Neoplatonism against Christianity.
 
Then, instead of being Julian the Apostate, he becomes Julian the Heretic. As the example of Monothelitism will prove three centuries later, when the emperor tries to impose a compromise solution in theological areas, the only thing he is achieving is to obtain the opposition of all the contending parties against his idea. Unlike OTL, were Julian could use a Divide et Impera to get the Christians weak by keeping them fighting each other, here he enters directly into the fray as his own particular side, fighting everyone simultaneously. Of course, he is the emperor and he can impose his will upon the Ecumenical Councils, but it will only last while he lives.
Yeah no, thats not what im talking about. Im talking about him actually taking part in debates like an normal participant, not just declaring his support for a doctrine and banning all others.

If Julian wanted to play the Christian game (which he didn´t, because he was a true believer in Paganism, with its superstitions and mysteries, not just in neoplatonic philosophy), he needs to play it fully; that is, doing like his cousins, taking a side in the conflict between Arrianism and Orthodoxy and remain there. He can do some works on reconciliation, in the form of assimilation of Neoplatonic ideas or concepts by Christianity (it would not be the first time that pagan customs and ideas influenced it) but he must be subtle about it
I think you're missing my point. This ATL Julian isn't a screte pagan playing as a Christian so he can change the faith from the inside. This Julian IS a believer, but he also loves philosophy. The idea is to make him into a sort of proto-Augustine
 
Julian was a philosopher and noted author OTL tho. First advice is to keep him from ceding existence to a Persian warrior; e.g. don't die at thirty. Maybe don't go on campaign or something, be a 'civilly minded' emperor instead? Finish rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, the enemy of my enemy is my enemy's enemy and has uses; and sure, actually sit in discussion with leading bishops, patriarchs etc, that's sure to be a 'fun' discussion. Better idea would be to discuss theology and philosophy with lay-philosophers, perhaps. Get people talking instead of organizations like the church?
 
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