Demiurge

/ˈdɛmiɜrdʒ/ noun

Definition

In ancient Greek philosophy and Gnostic theology, a creator figure or craftsman who shapes the world, often subordinate to a higher god.

Etymology

From Greek 'demiourgos' (demi-ourgos), literally 'public worker' or 'craftsman,' composed of 'demos' (people) plus 'ergon' (work). Plato used it to describe the creator of the physical world.

Kelly Says

Plato invented the demiurge to solve a huge problem: if God is perfect, why is the world so flawed? His answer: a skilled but imperfect craftsman did the work, and this idea influenced theology for 2,000 years!

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