Abstract
Abstract The comparison that Justin Martyr makes between the Christianity to which he converted and the traditional cults of his time has two sides that make Justin’s religiosity essentially ambiguous. On the one hand, Justin critically attributes the concepts and practices of ancient religiosity to the influence of demons. On the other hand, he wants to justify the universality of the Logos in human history. For this reason, he recognizes, in an appreciative way, certain traces of truth and morality in Greek wisdom, which finds its fullness and fulfillment in Christ, Logos made flesh. In the light of this ambiguous religiosity, one can understand why Justin coins the phrase “Christians before Jesus” as a category for Socrates and others. The driving force behind this operation is certainly confessional and proselytising, but for contemporary dialogue it can stimulate a sincere and passionate exchange with the religious position of one’s interlocutors.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.