A Greek Orthodox icon of Justin Martyr (A.D. 100-165)
Since persecution was usually local, the perception of Christians in a local area could make a significant difference. As such, apologists arose to make the case for Christian faith and tolerance of the Christian religion. Two apologists (Justin Martyr, Tertullian of Carthage) are profiled in detail.
Key Quotes
- “No man in his right mind turns back to falsehood once he has seen the truth.” (Justin Martyr)
- “We are but of yesterday, yet we have filled all that is yours: cities...towns, meeting places...we have left you only your temples... [but] we conquer in dying; we seize the victory at the very moment we are overcome. ... Your cruelty, however great, is a better advertisement for us than for you. The more you mow us down, the more we grow. The blood of Christians is seed. (Tertullian of Carthage)
- “Christians are no different from the rest in their nationality, language or customs. ... They fulfill all their duties as citizens, but they suffer as foreigners. ... They live on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey all laws, but they live at a level higher than that required by law. They love all, but all persecute them.” (To Diognetus)
- What did Justin think was the relationship between Greek philosophy and Christian revelation?
- What might account for the difference in tone toward Greco-Roman culture between Justin and later apologists like Tertullian and Tatian?
- What are the tensions 2nd-3rd century Christians faced between their faith and Greco-Roman culture? What tensions do Christians face in the context in which you live today?
- "The Letter to Diognetus" (with context that makes it easier to understand)
https://www.christian-history.org/letter-to-diognetus.html
No comments:
Post a Comment