The Second-Century Apologists

The Second-Century Apologists PDF Author: Alvyn Pettersen
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1725265273
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 133

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Book Description
"They bring three charges against us: atheism, Thyestean banquets, and Oedipean unions." So a late second-century Christian Apologist wrote with reference to his critics. Against these and other charges the Apologists rallied. Not so, they maintained. It was not the Christians but their critics who were the atheists and the Christians were the true theists. They were atheists only insofar as they denied the fabricated gods of the cults and the immoral deities of theaters. That, they explained, was why Christians absented themselves, whatever the cost, from the imperial cult, theaters, and amphitheaters. They were not cannibals, as Thyestes was when he ate the flesh of his children. To suggest otherwise was to misunderstand Christians consuming Christ's flesh and blood at the Eucharist. Nor were they imitators of Oedipus, who entered into sexual relations with Jocasta, his Queen and, though he knew it not, also his mother. Christians did exchange the kiss of peace. They did love one another. They were not, however, incestuous. Any promiscuous love on their part extended only to a very practical love of every needy soul. This book explores these arguments, especially noting the Apologists' commitment to God's oneness, to Christians not worshipping anything made, and to humans properly caring for fellow creatures.

The Second-Century Apologists

The Second-Century Apologists PDF Author: Alvyn Pettersen
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1725265273
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 133

Get Book Here

Book Description
"They bring three charges against us: atheism, Thyestean banquets, and Oedipean unions." So a late second-century Christian Apologist wrote with reference to his critics. Against these and other charges the Apologists rallied. Not so, they maintained. It was not the Christians but their critics who were the atheists and the Christians were the true theists. They were atheists only insofar as they denied the fabricated gods of the cults and the immoral deities of theaters. That, they explained, was why Christians absented themselves, whatever the cost, from the imperial cult, theaters, and amphitheaters. They were not cannibals, as Thyestes was when he ate the flesh of his children. To suggest otherwise was to misunderstand Christians consuming Christ's flesh and blood at the Eucharist. Nor were they imitators of Oedipus, who entered into sexual relations with Jocasta, his Queen and, though he knew it not, also his mother. Christians did exchange the kiss of peace. They did love one another. They were not, however, incestuous. Any promiscuous love on their part extended only to a very practical love of every needy soul. This book explores these arguments, especially noting the Apologists' commitment to God's oneness, to Christians not worshipping anything made, and to humans properly caring for fellow creatures.

The Second-Century Apologists

The Second-Century Apologists PDF Author: Alvyn Pettersen
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1725265354
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 200

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Book Description
“They bring three charges against us: atheism, Thyestean banquets, and Oedipean unions.” So a late second-century Christian Apologist wrote with reference to his critics. Against these and other charges the Apologists rallied. Not so, they maintained. It was not the Christians but their critics who were the atheists and the Christians were the true theists. They were atheists only insofar as they denied the fabricated gods of the cults and the immoral deities of theaters. That, they explained, was why Christians absented themselves, whatever the cost, from the imperial cult, theaters, and amphitheaters. They were not cannibals, as Thyestes was when he ate the flesh of his children. To suggest otherwise was to misunderstand Christians consuming Christ’s flesh and blood at the Eucharist. Nor were they imitators of Oedipus, who entered into sexual relations with Jocasta, his Queen and, though he knew it not, also his mother. Christians did exchange the kiss of peace. They did love one another. They were not, however, incestuous. Any promiscuous love on their part extended only to a very practical love of every needy soul. This book explores these arguments, especially noting the Apologists’ commitment to God’s oneness, to Christians not worshipping anything made, and to humans properly caring for fellow creatures.

Christian Apologetics of the Second Century in Their Relation to Modern Thought

Christian Apologetics of the Second Century in Their Relation to Modern Thought PDF Author: Philip Carrington
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Apologetics
Languages : en
Pages : 168

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Book Description


CHRISTIAN APOLOGISTS OF THE SECOND CENTURY

CHRISTIAN APOLOGISTS OF THE SECOND CENTURY PDF Author: Philip Carrington
Publisher: Christian Publishing House
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 173

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Book Description
Near the middle of the second century [150-200 A.D.], there arose churchmen who are today called Apologists. They wrote to defend Christianity against hostile philosophies prevalent in the Roman world. Get to know the lives and thoughts of the earliest Christian apologists. This brief overview of second-century apologetics gives the reader the significant ideas of early Christian apologists. Among the Apologists who wrote in Greek were Justin Martyr, Tatian, Athenagoras, Theophilus, and Clement of Alexandria. Tertullian was an Apologist who wrote in Latin. In the final chapter, Carrington relates second-century apologetics to modern thought, which will help you understand the importance of classic apologetics.

Greek Apologists of the Second Century

Greek Apologists of the Second Century PDF Author: Robert McQueen Grant
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780334005353
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 254

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Book Description
Apologetic literature emerges from minority groups seeking to come to terms with the larger cultures within which they live. Its authors are not entirely at home in either thei r own groups or the larger society, and therefore their position is one with which many Christians today can sympathize. Professor Grant's new book looks at the first Christian apologists of all and the background to their message.After opening chapters discussing early Christian apologetic and its historical setting in the Roman empire, he looks in detail at Justin, Apollinaris of Hierapolis, Melito of Sardis, Athenagoras of Athens, Tatian, Theophilus of Antioch and other related figures including Celsus, Marcus Aurelius and the Gallican martyrs. He ends by tracing apologetic through the thi rd century and into the Middle Ages.Apologetic can be attractive to readers today, but the main theme of the book is that while there is a certain timeless character to the Christian apologists of the second century, they are deeply involved in the political and social struggles of their time and cannot be understood apart from the precise circumstances in which they are writing.

The Cambridge History of Early Christian Literature

The Cambridge History of Early Christian Literature PDF Author: Frances Young
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521460835
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 580

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The Defenders of the Faith

The Defenders of the Faith PDF Author: Frederick Watson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Apologetics
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description


Greek Apologists of the Second Century

Greek Apologists of the Second Century PDF Author: Robert McQueen Grant
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 264

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Book Description


CHRISTIAN APOLOGISTS OF THE SECOND CENTURY

CHRISTIAN APOLOGISTS OF THE SECOND CENTURY PDF Author: Edward D. Andrews
Publisher: Christian Publishing House
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 344

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Book Description
In the turbulent world of the second century, the early Christian Church faced intense scrutiny, widespread persecution, and the rise of numerous heresies that threatened to distort its core teachings. Amidst this backdrop, a group of courageous thinkers and writers emerged—men of profound intellect and deep faith—dedicated to defending the fledgling Christian faith against both external attacks and internal divisions. Christian Apologists of the Second Century: Christian Defenders of the Faith explores the lives, writings, and theological contributions of these early apologists who laid the groundwork for Christian doctrine and practice. This compelling volume delves into the works of key figures such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus of Lyons, and Athenagoras of Athens, offering readers an in-depth look at how these early defenders articulated the truths of Christianity in response to the philosophical and religious challenges of their time. Through their writings, they confronted the rising tide of Gnosticism, Marcionism, and other heretical movements, ensuring the preservation of the apostolic teachings. Whether you are a student of church history, a theologian, or simply a believer seeking to understand the foundations of your faith, this book provides invaluable insights into the intellectual and spiritual battles that shaped the early Church. With clarity and reverence, Christian Apologists of the Second Century illuminates the enduring legacy of these early Christian defenders and their unwavering commitment to the truth of the Gospel. Their example continues to inspire and challenge the Church today, reminding us of the importance of standing firm in faith and reason in the face of adversity. Discover the stories of these early Christian heroes whose courage and wisdom still resonate across the centuries, providing a powerful testimony to the enduring strength and truth of the Christian faith.

Christianity in the Second Century

Christianity in the Second Century PDF Author: Emily Jane Hunt
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 9780415304054
Category : Christian heresies
Languages : en
Pages : 260

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Book Description
Tatian is a significant figure in the early Church, his work both representing and revealing his second-century context. This study offers a detailed exploration of his thought. It is also a valuable introduction to the entire period, particularly the key developments it witnessed in Christianity. Emily Hunt examines a wide range of topics in depth: Tatian's relationship with Justin Martyr and his Oration to the Greeks; the Apologetic attempt to defend and define Christianity against the Graeco-Roman world and Christian use of hellenistic philosophy. Tatian was accused of heresy after his death, and this work sees him at the heart of the orthodox/heterodox debate. His links with the East, and his Gospel harmony the Diatessaron, lead to an exploration of Syriac Christianity and asceticism. In the process, scholarly assumptions about heresiology and the Apologists' relationship with hellenistic philosophy are questioned, and the development of a Christian philosophical tradition is traced from Philo, through Justin Martyr, to Tatian - and then within several key Syriac writers. This is the first dedicated study of Tatian for more than forty years.