St Justin the Martyr, Early Church Father and Philosopher
St Justin Martyr demonstrates how both the Old Testament and the Greco-Roman moral philosophers both point to and are fulfilled by the coming of Christ into the world. St Justin introduced the language and philosophical approach that formed the basis of later Christian language and theology.
How do the Jewish Scriptures and Greek philosophy relate to the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Do they conflict with the Gospel? Can Christians profitably study Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy? These are the questions the writings of St Justin Martyr explores, and St Justin the Martyr was one of the first of apostolic fathers to explore these issues.
His writings were highly esteemed in the ancient church, he demonstrated to educated Christians that you could discuss Christianity through a philosophical lens. We will include discussion on his Apology to the Emperor, Apology to the Senate, and his Dialogue With Trypho.
We also discuss:
• St Justin Martyr’s Apology to the Emperor Antonius Pius.
• A brief biography of St Justin Martyr.
• The martyrdom of St Justin under the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
• St Justin Martyr’s struggle against heresy and Marcion.
• The Christian belief in the Resurrection of the Dead.
• St Justin Martyr’s Christo-centric interpretation of the Old Testament.
• How St Justin Martyr saw the pre-incarnate Christ appearing in the Old Testament as fire and angels, including the burning bush of Moses and the Visitation of the Angels to Abraham and Sarah.
• Early descriptions of baptism and the eucharist by St Justin Martyr.
• How St Justin Martyr rejected the possibility of a just war.
• The apocryphal Epistle of Marcus Aurelius to the Senate included in the Appendix to his Apology.
This video draws from this blog:
https://wp.me/pachSU-eu
You can purchase Volume 1 of the Nicene Fathers from:
www.christianbook.com
You can purchase from Amazon:
The History of the Church: From Christ to Constantine, by Eusebius (263-339), Penguin Classic, introduction by Andrew Louth
https://amzn.to/3eRbZgK
Kindle: The Complete Ante-Nicene, Nicene and Post-Nicene Collection of Early Church Fathers
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History of Early Christian Literature (Midway Reprint Series), by Edgar Johnson Goodspeed
https://amzn.to/36S0UHV
The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years Hardcover, by John Anthony McGuckin
https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
The Early Church, by Henry Chadwick:
https://amzn.to/36W9OUB
The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100-600) (Volume 1) Paperback – August 15, 1975, by Jaroslav Pelikan:
https://amzn.to/2UB183E
The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years Hardcover, by John Anthony McGuckin:
https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
Please share with your friends!
Who should study the Catholic and Lutheran Catechisms? Everyone! Everyone, even if you are neither Catholic nor Lutheran. Everyone who wants to live a godly life should study the Catechism. Both the Lutheran and Catholic Catechisms have sections for the Ten Commandments, the Sacraments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Creeds. If you ignore the sections in the Large Catechism where Luther curses the Pope and calls him names, studying both the Catholic and Lutheran Catechisms will improve your soul. Vatican II teaches that Catholics can learn from their separated Protestant brothers, which means that Catholics can read Luther.
The Catholic Catechism was reviewed by thousands of bishops before publication, many thousands of suggestions were pondered, more thought and care was invested in the editing of the Catholic Catechism than probably any modern book in print. You ignore this wisdom at your moral peril. These teachings are not merely preachings, they are annotated by thousands of footnotes to both Scripture verses and the writings of the Church Fathers and the decrees of Vatican II, Trent, and the other councils, so you can go back to the sources yourself. By design, the Catholic Catechism references both the Eastern Church Fathers, so beloved by the Orthodox, and the Western Church Fathers, staring with St Augstine, in roughly equal proportion.
Cardinal Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict, in an in-depth interview in 1985 that the spirit of Vatican II had faded, that it failed to generate a new enthusiasm, but instead Catholicism had become trapped in a spirit of “boredom and discouragement.” What the opponents and supporters of Vatican II shared in common is neither understood nor studied the actual decrees of Vatican II. The solution would be a new Catechism to summarize the teachings of Vatican II.
We are planning a course of study, starting with the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, and read most of the works quoted in the footnotes of the Catholic Catechism, many of them are church fathers. We will also ponder what the church fathers, the medieval rabbis, Luther in his Large Catechism, and preachers and scholars can teach us about the Decalogue.
The video draws from this blog: http://www.seekingvirtueandwisdom.com/who-should-study-the-catholic-catechism/
Please support our channel when purchasing these books from Amazon:
Catechism of the Catholic Church, UCSSB Bishop's Edition
https://amzn.to/3kca1sT
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, Book of Concord
https://amzn.to/3ghTJxK
Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/37UXEMm
A Compendium of Texts Referred to in the Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/2W4cxK2
Gospel, Catechesis, Catechism: Sidelights on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
https://amzn.to/3za3RQu
Ratzinger Report: An Exclusive Interview on the State of the Church
https://amzn.to/2W2DNIU
Hans Kung was a friend to many in the inner circles of the Catholic Church, since he was one of the leading theologians of the Second Vatican Council. Indeed, he gave a friendly reference to the young priest Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, when he was accepted as a professor at the University of Tubingen in Germany. Hans Kung was always the more flamboyant, driving around campus in his fire engine-red Alfa Romeo sportscar. While teaching at Tubingen, Kung and Ratzinger had dinner each Thursday to discuss theology, and they both were editors of a scholarly theology journal. Sources claim that Ratzinger became more conservative politically in response to the student protests in the Sixties, though both Kung and Ratzinger always supported the theological pronouncements of Vatican II. Several of Hans Kung’s works are part of the history of the Second Vatican Council and its implementation.
Several decades ago, I read a news article that quoted Cardinal Schonborn as saying that although Hans Kung was quite beloved in the Vatican, they really wish he would quit constantly calling press conferences where he criticized the Catholic Church for ignoring all his urgent suggestions for reform. He irritated the Pope John Paul II and the Roman Curia so much they finally revoked his license to teach Catholic theology. However, Hans Kung was neither excommunicated nor defrocked, and was able to celebrate Mass as a Catholic priest until the day he died. Pope Francis considered offering an olive branch to Kung, but the negative reaction was overwhelming. Perhaps this revocation of his teaching license was a consequence of his hubris rather than his incorrect doctrine.
You8iTube video: https://youtu.be/Nbtinm3ATgI
St Nikodimos, when he compiled the Philokalia, placed the work “On the Character of Men and the Virtuous Life” as the first chapter in the Philokalia, as it was credited to St Anthony, one of the first Fathers of the desert. The editors of the modern compilation of the Philokalia relegated this work to the Appendix, arguing that it was more stoic than Christian, noting that biblical references are wholly absent from this work, unlike the rest of the Philokalia, which are replete with quotes from the Scriptures. We are happy they relegated it to the Appendix rather than omitting it, since it is truly a treasure.
Our Christian stoic philosopher teaches us about:
• Controlling your passions, and controlling your anger and desire.
• Loving God and loving our neighbor.
• Living a virtuous life, and a life that is both frugal and grateful, without complaints.
• Need for justice without anger, justice free of passions.
• The godly intellect that strengthens our soul and faith.
This video draws from our blog:
http://www.seekingvirtueandwisdom.com/philokalia-on-the-character-of-men-and-the-virtuous-life/
Purchase from Amazon:
The Philokalia: The Complete Text (Vol. 1)
https://amzn.to/3eCtqBo
The Philokalia: A Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality, Essays
https://amzn.to/2V1dhhQ
Like all Stoic philosophers, Marcus Aurelius never asks why bad things happen to good people, why the virtuous suffer while the evil prosper, how God can permit suffering in a perfect world. Not only are these questions never asked by the stoics; stoics see these questions as simply absurd. Marcus Aurelius is aware that “good and evil happen indiscriminately to the good and the bad.” Furthermore, “death and life, honor and dishonor, pain and pleasure – all these things happen equally to good men and bad, being things which make us neither better nor worse. Therefore, they are neither good nor evil.” The Stoics never only ask why bad things happen to good people, rather they ask, bad things happen to both good people and bad, good things happen to both bad and good people, sometimes more, sometimes less, so what? If you are poor, be virtuous in your poverty, if you are rich, be virtuous in your wealth, always be generous, you can live a virtuous life regardless of your station in life.
The last of the good emperors, Marcus Aurelius was both an emperor and a stoic philosopher, living a stoic life of moderation while ruling the Empire out of a sense of duty. He wrote the Meditations in Greek in his tent while on campaign fighting against the Germanic tribes. His biggest inspiration came from studying Epictetus, the stoic philosopher who was a former slave of a former slave.
YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/0qHpReZYhv4
Our blogs: https://wp.me/pachSU-aM , https://wp.me/pachSU-aV , https://wp.me/pachSU-aZ , https://wp.me/pachSU-b2
Please support our channel, purchase these from Amazon, we earn a small affiliate commission:
Meditations (Dover Thrift Editions), by Marcus Aurelius
https://amzn.to/2W3nxqt
Practical Philosophy: The Greco-Roman Moralists
https://amzn.to/3rmSlOx
Famous Romans, Audiobook, by J. Rufus Fears, The Great Courses
https://amzn.to/3D6mMgE
The Meditations of Marcus Auerlius: Selections Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Illuminations)
https://amzn.to/3BsYgWR
A History of Philosophy, Vol. 1: Greece and Rome From the Pre-Socratics to Plotinus, by Frederick Copleston
https://amzn.to/2Wuh6wX
Marcus Aurelius was truly the philosopher-king that Plato dreamed of, he was both one of the good Roman Emperors and a Stoic Philosopher who ruled out of a sense of duty while living the modest stoic life.
The paradox of Marcus Aurelius is that as Roman Emperor he likely oversaw the brutal persecution of Christians, but as a Stoic philosopher his main work, the Meditations, offers a Stoic philosophy that reflects many Christian values and teachings. This paradox led some ancient Christians to hope that he indeed was a friend to Christians, including Tertullian and St Justin the Martyr, who was himself martyred under the reign of Marcus Aurelius. This paradox was explored by the ancient church historian Eusebius in his work Church History or Ecclesiastical History.
We review the history behind Marcus Aurelius, how he was the adopted son of his predecessor, Antonius Pius, who had been adopted by Hadrian. We learn how his marriage to the daughter of Antonius Pius, Faustina, led to the birth of Commodus, who succeeded him as emperor and began the decline of the Roman Empire due to his neglect of his responsibilities, he preferred performing as a gladiator to serving as a stoic Roman Emperor.
We review the history of the persecutions from Nero to Diocletian, and the series of letters between Pliny and Trajan discussing how Christians should be properly persecuted.
We review how modern historians view this paradox, including Henry Chadwick, Walter Kaufman, Matthew Arnold, Copleston, and McGuckin.
YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/-uQxq1O9xSY
Our blog: https://wp.me/pachSU-aC
Please support our channel, purchase these from Amazon, we earn a small affiliate commission:
Meditations (Dover Thrift Editions), by Marcus Aurelius
https://amzn.to/2W3nxqt
Practical Philosophy: The Greco-Roman Moralists
https://amzn.to/3rmSlOx
Famous Romans, Audiobook, by J. Rufus Fears, The Great Courses
https://amzn.to/3D6mMgE
The Meditations of Marcus Auerlius: Selections Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Illuminations)
https://amzn.to/3BsYgWR
A History of Philosophy, Vol. 1: Greece and Rome From the Pre-Socratics to Plotinus, by Frederick Copleston
https://amzn.to/2Wuh6wX
The History of the Church: From Christ to Constantine, by Eusebius (263-339), Penguin Classic, introduction by Andrew Louth
https://amzn.to/3eRbZgK
The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years Hardcover, by John Anthony McGuckin
https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
The Early Church, by Henry Chadwick
https://amzn.to/36W9OUB
Justin asks the Jewish Rabbi Trypho why he needs philosophy when he can profit from Moses, his lawgiver, and the prophets. Trypho responds, “Why not? Do not the philosophers turn every discourse on God? Do not questions continually arise on God’s unity and providence? Is it not truly the duty of philosophy to investigate the Deity?”
How do the Jewish Scriptures and Greek philosophy relate to the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Do they conflict with the Gospel? Can Christians profitably study Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy? These are the questions this dialogue explores, and St Justin the Martyr was one of the first of apostolic fathers to explore these issues. They also discuss the Greek understanding of the Underworld and life after death.
The primary question Trypho asks Justin is why Christian converts do not undergo circumcision, which could be considered a sacrament to Jews. This is also related to a key question, Should Christians also convert to Judaism and the Jewish ritual laws? We discuss:
• Some interesting biblical stories with Moses, Zipporah, and the sons of Judah that show how central circumcision was to Judaism.
• The views of St Augustine on circumcision.
• Why Greeks and Romans were so repulsed by circumcision, and contrasting attitudes about nakedness between the modern world and the ancient Greco-Roman world.
• How Christians believe that circumcision of the heart, rather than physical circumcision, is what God desires.
• Why early Christians so adamantly opposed physical circumcision.
• How this debate is part of the larger discussion of how Christianity is the New Israel, how Christians are under the New Covenant with the coming of Christ.
This video draws from these blogs:
https://wp.me/pachSU-eu and https://wp.me/pachSU-uV
The Life of St Anthony was the first monastic biography and was enormously influential in the early and medieval church, up to the current day. St Augustine mentions the Life of St Anthony in his spiritual autobiography, Confessions, as being a pivotal writing that helped convince him to be baptized as a Christian by St Ambrose. This book will encourage all who read it in their walk in the Lord, in their efforts to truly live a godly life.
One day St Anthony went into church as this Gospel verse was being read: Jesus said, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
Anthony perceived that this verse was directed at him, so he IMMEDIATELY gave the family land, his inheritance, and his other possessions to the poor, and joined the monastic communities in the deserts of Egypt.
Since the Christian persecutions had ended when Christianity became a state religion, the monastic movement sprung up in the desert to strive towards a type of spiritual martyrdom of the flesh. St Anthony would spend the rest of his long life, passing away at the advanced age of 105, in the desert as a monk, sometimes as an eremite, or hermit, sometimes as the leader of a community of monks.
During one of his periods of exile, St Athanasius fled to the desert and met St Anthony, and enlisted his help in combatting the heresy of the Arians. Soon after the death of St Anthony, St Athanasius wrote the influential Life of St Anthony to preserve the memory of his holy life.
This video draws from my blogs at:
http://www.seekingvirtueandwisdom.com/life-of-st-anthony-blog-1-sell-all-you-have-and-give-to-the-poor/
http://www.seekingvirtueandwisdom.com/life-of-st-anthony-blog-2-living-a-monastic-life/
Please support our channel by purchasing these books at Amazon:
Life of St. Anthony of Egypt, by St. Athanasius of Alexandria, translators Philip Schaff, Henry Wace
https://amzn.to/2WCuSO3
The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 2: The Spirit of Eastern Christendom (600-1700, by Jaroslav Pelikan
https://amzn.to/3BrOtjU
The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years Hardcover, by John Anthony McGuckin
https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
Confessions (Oxford World's Classics), by Saint Augustine, Henry Chadwick, Translator
https://amzn.to/3sROoSY
Who should study the Catholic and Lutheran Catechisms? Everyone! Everyone, even if you are neither Catholic nor Lutheran. Everyone who wants to live a godly life should study the Catechism. Both the Lutheran and Catholic Catechisms have sections for the Ten Commandments, the Sacraments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Creeds. If you ignore the sections in the Large Catechism where Luther curses the Pope and calls him names, studying both the Catholic and Lutheran Catechisms will improve your soul. Vatican II teaches that Catholics can learn from their separated Protestant brothers, which means that Catholics can read Luther.
The Catholic Catechism was reviewed by thousands of bishops before publication, many thousands of suggestions were pondered, more thought and care was invested in the editing of the Catholic Catechism than probably any modern book in print. You ignore this wisdom at your moral peril. These teachings are not merely preachings, they are annotated by thousands of footnotes to both Scripture verses and the writings of the Church Fathers and the decrees of Vatican II, Trent, and the other councils, so you can go back to the sources yourself. By design, the Catholic Catechism references both the Eastern Church Fathers, so beloved by the Orthodox, and the Western Church Fathers, staring with St Augstine, in roughly equal proportion.
Cardinal Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict, in an in-depth interview in 1985 that the spirit of Vatican II had faded, that it failed to generate a new enthusiasm, but instead Catholicism had become trapped in a spirit of “boredom and discouragement.” What the opponents and supporters of Vatican II shared in common is neither understood nor studied the actual decrees of Vatican II. The solution would be a new Catechism to summarize the teachings of Vatican II.
We are planning a course of study, starting with the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, and read most of the works quoted in the footnotes of the Catholic Catechism, many of them are church fathers. We will also ponder what the church fathers, the medieval rabbis, Luther in his Large Catechism, and preachers and scholars can teach us about the Decalogue.
The video draws from this blog: http://www.seekingvirtueandwisdom.com/who-should-study-the-catholic-catechism/
Please support our channel when purchasing these books from Amazon:
Catechism of the Catholic Church, UCSSB Bishop's Edition
https://amzn.to/3kca1sT
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, Book of Concord
https://amzn.to/3ghTJxK
Introduction to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/37UXEMm
A Compendium of Texts Referred to in the Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/2W4cxK2
Gospel, Catechesis, Catechism: Sidelights on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
https://amzn.to/3za3RQu
Ratzinger Report: An Exclusive Interview on the State of the Church
https://amzn.to/2W2DNIU
Hans Kung was a friend to many in the inner circles of the Catholic Church, since he was one of the leading theologians of the Second Vatican Council. Indeed, he gave a friendly reference to the young priest Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, when he was accepted as a professor at the University of Tubingen in Germany. Hans Kung was always the more flamboyant, driving around campus in his fire engine-red Alfa Romeo sportscar. While teaching at Tubingen, Kung and Ratzinger had dinner each Thursday to discuss theology, and they both were editors of a scholarly theology journal. Sources claim that Ratzinger became more conservative politically in response to the student protests in the Sixties, though both Kung and Ratzinger always supported the theological pronouncements of Vatican II. Several of Hans Kung’s works are part of the history of the Second Vatican Council and its implementation.
Several decades ago, I read a news article that quoted Cardinal Schonborn as saying that although Hans Kung was quite beloved in the Vatican, they really wish he would quit constantly calling press conferences where he criticized the Catholic Church for ignoring all his urgent suggestions for reform. He irritated the Pope John Paul II and the Roman Curia so much they finally revoked his license to teach Catholic theology. However, Hans Kung was neither excommunicated nor defrocked, and was able to celebrate Mass as a Catholic priest until the day he died. Pope Francis considered offering an olive branch to Kung, but the negative reaction was overwhelming. Perhaps this revocation of his teaching license was a consequence of his hubris rather than his incorrect doctrine.
You8iTube video: https://youtu.be/Nbtinm3ATgI
St Nikodimos, when he compiled the Philokalia, placed the work “On the Character of Men and the Virtuous Life” as the first chapter in the Philokalia, as it was credited to St Anthony, one of the first Fathers of the desert. The editors of the modern compilation of the Philokalia relegated this work to the Appendix, arguing that it was more stoic than Christian, noting that biblical references are wholly absent from this work, unlike the rest of the Philokalia, which are replete with quotes from the Scriptures. We are happy they relegated it to the Appendix rather than omitting it, since it is truly a treasure.
Our Christian stoic philosopher teaches us about:
• Controlling your passions, and controlling your anger and desire.
• Loving God and loving our neighbor.
• Living a virtuous life, and a life that is both frugal and grateful, without complaints.
• Need for justice without anger, justice free of passions.
• The godly intellect that strengthens our soul and faith.
This video draws from our blog:
http://www.seekingvirtueandwisdom.com/philokalia-on-the-character-of-men-and-the-virtuous-life/
Purchase from Amazon:
The Philokalia: The Complete Text (Vol. 1)
https://amzn.to/3eCtqBo
The Philokalia: A Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality, Essays
https://amzn.to/2V1dhhQ
Like all Stoic philosophers, Marcus Aurelius never asks why bad things happen to good people, why the virtuous suffer while the evil prosper, how God can permit suffering in a perfect world. Not only are these questions never asked by the stoics; stoics see these questions as simply absurd. Marcus Aurelius is aware that “good and evil happen indiscriminately to the good and the bad.” Furthermore, “death and life, honor and dishonor, pain and pleasure – all these things happen equally to good men and bad, being things which make us neither better nor worse. Therefore, they are neither good nor evil.” The Stoics never only ask why bad things happen to good people, rather they ask, bad things happen to both good people and bad, good things happen to both bad and good people, sometimes more, sometimes less, so what? If you are poor, be virtuous in your poverty, if you are rich, be virtuous in your wealth, always be generous, you can live a virtuous life regardless of your station in life.
The last of the good emperors, Marcus Aurelius was both an emperor and a stoic philosopher, living a stoic life of moderation while ruling the Empire out of a sense of duty. He wrote the Meditations in Greek in his tent while on campaign fighting against the Germanic tribes. His biggest inspiration came from studying Epictetus, the stoic philosopher who was a former slave of a former slave.
YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/0qHpReZYhv4
Our blogs: https://wp.me/pachSU-aM , https://wp.me/pachSU-aV , https://wp.me/pachSU-aZ , https://wp.me/pachSU-b2
Please support our channel, purchase these from Amazon, we earn a small affiliate commission:
Meditations (Dover Thrift Editions), by Marcus Aurelius
https://amzn.to/2W3nxqt
Practical Philosophy: The Greco-Roman Moralists
https://amzn.to/3rmSlOx
Famous Romans, Audiobook, by J. Rufus Fears, The Great Courses
https://amzn.to/3D6mMgE
The Meditations of Marcus Auerlius: Selections Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Illuminations)
https://amzn.to/3BsYgWR
A History of Philosophy, Vol. 1: Greece and Rome From the Pre-Socratics to Plotinus, by Frederick Copleston
https://amzn.to/2Wuh6wX
Marcus Aurelius was truly the philosopher-king that Plato dreamed of, he was both one of the good Roman Emperors and a Stoic Philosopher who ruled out of a sense of duty while living the modest stoic life.
The paradox of Marcus Aurelius is that as Roman Emperor he likely oversaw the brutal persecution of Christians, but as a Stoic philosopher his main work, the Meditations, offers a Stoic philosophy that reflects many Christian values and teachings. This paradox led some ancient Christians to hope that he indeed was a friend to Christians, including Tertullian and St Justin the Martyr, who was himself martyred under the reign of Marcus Aurelius. This paradox was explored by the ancient church historian Eusebius in his work Church History or Ecclesiastical History.
We review the history behind Marcus Aurelius, how he was the adopted son of his predecessor, Antonius Pius, who had been adopted by Hadrian. We learn how his marriage to the daughter of Antonius Pius, Faustina, led to the birth of Commodus, who succeeded him as emperor and began the decline of the Roman Empire due to his neglect of his responsibilities, he preferred performing as a gladiator to serving as a stoic Roman Emperor.
We review the history of the persecutions from Nero to Diocletian, and the series of letters between Pliny and Trajan discussing how Christians should be properly persecuted.
We review how modern historians view this paradox, including Henry Chadwick, Walter Kaufman, Matthew Arnold, Copleston, and McGuckin.
YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/-uQxq1O9xSY
Our blog: https://wp.me/pachSU-aC
Please support our channel, purchase these from Amazon, we earn a small affiliate commission:
Meditations (Dover Thrift Editions), by Marcus Aurelius
https://amzn.to/2W3nxqt
Practical Philosophy: The Greco-Roman Moralists
https://amzn.to/3rmSlOx
Famous Romans, Audiobook, by J. Rufus Fears, The Great Courses
https://amzn.to/3D6mMgE
The Meditations of Marcus Auerlius: Selections Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Illuminations)
https://amzn.to/3BsYgWR
A History of Philosophy, Vol. 1: Greece and Rome From the Pre-Socratics to Plotinus, by Frederick Copleston
https://amzn.to/2Wuh6wX
The History of the Church: From Christ to Constantine, by Eusebius (263-339), Penguin Classic, introduction by Andrew Louth
https://amzn.to/3eRbZgK
The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years Hardcover, by John Anthony McGuckin
https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
The Early Church, by Henry Chadwick
https://amzn.to/36W9OUB
Justin asks the Jewish Rabbi Trypho why he needs philosophy when he can profit from Moses, his lawgiver, and the prophets. Trypho responds, “Why not? Do not the philosophers turn every discourse on God? Do not questions continually arise on God’s unity and providence? Is it not truly the duty of philosophy to investigate the Deity?”
How do the Jewish Scriptures and Greek philosophy relate to the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Do they conflict with the Gospel? Can Christians profitably study Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy? These are the questions this dialogue explores, and St Justin the Martyr was one of the first of apostolic fathers to explore these issues. They also discuss the Greek understanding of the Underworld and life after death.
The primary question Trypho asks Justin is why Christian converts do not undergo circumcision, which could be considered a sacrament to Jews. This is also related to a key question, Should Christians also convert to Judaism and the Jewish ritual laws? We discuss:
• Some interesting biblical stories with Moses, Zipporah, and the sons of Judah that show how central circumcision was to Judaism.
• The views of St Augustine on circumcision.
• Why Greeks and Romans were so repulsed by circumcision, and contrasting attitudes about nakedness between the modern world and the ancient Greco-Roman world.
• How Christians believe that circumcision of the heart, rather than physical circumcision, is what God desires.
• Why early Christians so adamantly opposed physical circumcision.
• How this debate is part of the larger discussion of how Christianity is the New Israel, how Christians are under the New Covenant with the coming of Christ.
This video draws from these blogs:
https://wp.me/pachSU-eu and https://wp.me/pachSU-uV
The Life of St Anthony was the first monastic biography and was enormously influential in the early and medieval church, up to the current day. St Augustine mentions the Life of St Anthony in his spiritual autobiography, Confessions, as being a pivotal writing that helped convince him to be baptized as a Christian by St Ambrose. This book will encourage all who read it in their walk in the Lord, in their efforts to truly live a godly life.
One day St Anthony went into church as this Gospel verse was being read: Jesus said, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
Anthony perceived that this verse was directed at him, so he IMMEDIATELY gave the family land, his inheritance, and his other possessions to the poor, and joined the monastic communities in the deserts of Egypt.
Since the Christian persecutions had ended when Christianity became a state religion, the monastic movement sprung up in the desert to strive towards a type of spiritual martyrdom of the flesh. St Anthony would spend the rest of his long life, passing away at the advanced age of 105, in the desert as a monk, sometimes as an eremite, or hermit, sometimes as the leader of a community of monks.
During one of his periods of exile, St Athanasius fled to the desert and met St Anthony, and enlisted his help in combatting the heresy of the Arians. Soon after the death of St Anthony, St Athanasius wrote the influential Life of St Anthony to preserve the memory of his holy life.
This video draws from my blogs at:
http://www.seekingvirtueandwisdom.com/life-of-st-anthony-blog-1-sell-all-you-have-and-give-to-the-poor/
http://www.seekingvirtueandwisdom.com/life-of-st-anthony-blog-2-living-a-monastic-life/
Please support our channel by purchasing these books at Amazon:
Life of St. Anthony of Egypt, by St. Athanasius of Alexandria, translators Philip Schaff, Henry Wace
https://amzn.to/2WCuSO3
The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 2: The Spirit of Eastern Christendom (600-1700, by Jaroslav Pelikan
https://amzn.to/3BrOtjU
The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years Hardcover, by John Anthony McGuckin
https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
Confessions (Oxford World's Classics), by Saint Augustine, Henry Chadwick, Translator
https://amzn.to/3sROoSY
Martin Luther, though he is definitely flawed, also has some very good advice in the section of his Large Catechism and Small Catechism on the Ten Commandments. Although we do need to push back when he starts calling the Pope names, the Second Vatican Council tells Catholics that their separated brothers in Christ have much to teach us.
Envy is always envy, and theft is always theft, and these evils are not made right when laws or courts or judges condone our thefts in business or when we inherit property. He illustrates his teaching with the story of Herod, and how his wife Herodias and her daughter Salome conspired to have John the Baptist beheaded.
We also examine the extreme anti-Semitism of Luther, and how several of his commentaries on the commandments of the Decalogue contain unnecessary virulent anti-Semitic comments and slanders. Unfortunately, Adolph Hitler was able to use Luther’s anti-Semitic writings to justify the Nazi policies of the Holocaust.
Blog: http://www.seekingvirtueandwisdom.com/martin-luther-large-catechism-on-decalogue-do-not-envy-and-anti-semitism/
Please support our channel, if you wish to purchase these Amazon books, we receive a small affiliate commission:
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, Book of Concord, Including the Large and Small Catechism
https://amzn.to/3ghTJxK
St Justin Martyr demonstrates how both the Old Testament and the Greco-Roman moral philosophers both point to and are fulfilled by the coming of Christ into the world. St Justin’s Second Apology to the Roman Senate was written to protest the persecutions against the Christians in response to the accusations made by the Cynic Philosopher Crescens that the Christians were atheists impious to the traditional pagan gods, which would eventually result in Justin’s martyrdom. St Justin praises the moral philosophy of the stoics, but insists that Christianity is the true and complete philosophy. St Justin Martyr compares Jesus to Socrates, showing how Jesus is superior to Socrates.
St Justin also retells an entertaining dialogue from Xenophon’s Moralia between Hercules, and Lady Virtue and Lady Vice. Discussing the virtues and vices is a favorite topic for both Stoic Philosophers and the Eastern Church Fathers and Christian monastics. This story also shares some themes with the Parable of the Ten Virgins as interpreted by St Augustine and the modern psychologist, Scott Peck.
What led Justin to convert to Christianity? “When I was delighting in the doctrines of Plato, and heard the Christians slandered, and saw them fearless of death, and that they feared nothing, I perceived it was impossible that they could be living in wickedness and pleasure.”
This video draws from this blog:
https://wp.me/pachSU-eu
You can purchase Volume 1 of the Nicene Fathers from:
www.christianbook.com
You can purchase from Amazon:
Further Along the Road Less Traveled, by Scott Peck
https://amzn.to/3kPPMn5
The Road Less Traveled, by Scott Peck
https://amzn.to/3ilaGso
These books are mentioned in the video on St Justin Martyr’s Apology to the Emperor:
The History of the Church: From Christ to Constantine, by Eusebius (263-339), Penguin Classic, introduction by Andrew Louth
https://amzn.to/3eRbZgK
Kindle: The Complete Ante-Nicene, Nicene and Post-Nicene Collection of Early Church Fathers
https://amzn.to/3kMFdBa
History of Early Christian Literature (Midway Reprint Series), by Edgar Johnson Goodspeed
https://amzn.to/36S0UHV
The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years Hardcover, by John Anthony McGuckin
https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
The Early Church, by Henry Chadwick:
https://amzn.to/36W9OUB
The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100-600) (Volume 1) Paperback – August 15, 1975, by Jaroslav Pelikan:
https://amzn.to/2UB183E
The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years Hardcover, by John Anthony McGuckin:
https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
The original teachings of Jesus Christ were an outcome of
Buddhism, says Holger Kersten, a German theology teacher.
Hence one of the titles of the chapters in his book, "The
Original Jesus" (sub-titled 'Buddhist sources of Christianity') is 'Jesus the Buddhist'!
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 002: "Criteria & Historical Foundations“”BibleAlive
What is the nature of the 27 New Testament Documents? Learn our three goals for this course: We will try and 1) determine the meaning of the earthly life of Jesus illuminated by our Christian faith in his resurrection; 2) show Jesus’ central place in God’s plan of salvation and his role in revealing and carrying out that plan; and 3) show that the inspired portrait of the New Testament is not fictitious, but sheds light on the mystery of the real Jesus of Nazareth.
How Bible Scholars and Historians analyze the Gospels using critical methods to separate the fact from fiction with regards to the historical Jesus. The information in this slideshow is based on 200 years of scholarly research.
Historical evidence for the authenticity of the BibleSarah Salviander
Evidence is presented to support the New Testament as a reliable record of the ministry of Jesus and of the early Christian church. The means by which the New Testament has been preserved are also examined. Presentation by John Darms.
Let us vote on each of the sayings on Jesus, a red bead for each truly authentic saying of Jesus, a pink bead when the saying sure sounds like Jesus, gray, maybe, a black bead for a saying Jesus could not have said, although centuries of biblical scholars thought and taught otherwise.
Using this voting method, the self-appointed members of the Jesus Seminar in 1985 pronounced that only fifteen sayings were truly said by Jesus, while another seventy-five sayings were probably words of Jesus. There were a few eminent scholars in the group, most were middling academics, none were from the most eminent theological universities. But it was great television, great headlines, great press, controversial conspiracies, grabbing ten minutes of fame for this or that ignorant expert.
The original attendees of the Jesus Seminar have mostly been forgotten, with only a spare mention by Dr Wikipedia, but unfortunately the historical Jesus baton was passed to Bart Ehrman, one of the foremost textual critics of the New Testament, which means his specialty is examining the ancient Greek manuscript texts for variants. Dr Timothy Johnson wrote a book disputing the claims of the historical Jesus, The Real Jesus, which will be our main source. This book first looks back to the history of the church since the Reformation, and in the United States since World War II and the GI Bill, to understand how such beliefs can become widespread.
In addition to Professor Johnson's book, The Real Jesus, we will be consulting other works. If you wish to purchase these books, these links will help support our channel with a small affiliate commission:
The Real Jesus: The Misguided Quest for the Historical Jesus and the Truth of the Traditional Gospels, by Luke Timothy Johnson
https://amzn.to/3b0f77J
The Jesus Quest: The Third Search for the Jew of Nazareth, by Ben Witherington III
https://amzn.to/3C82S4O
Scripture in Tradition: The Bible and Its Interpretation in the Orthodox Church, by John Breck
https://amzn.to/3E5Kmuh
The History of Christian Theology, Audiobook, by Phillip Cary, The Great Courses
https://amzn.to/3m3l8qu
The Historical Jesus: The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant, by John Dominic Crossan
https://amzn.to/3CaZaYi
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus and the Heart of Contemporary Faith, by Marcus Borg
https://amzn.to/3puaHyk
The History of the Bible: The Making of the New Testament Canon, Audiobook, by Bart D. Ehrman, The Great Courses
https://amzn.to/3C6zQT2
The Greatest Controversies of Early Christian History, Audiobook, by Bart D. Ehrman, The Great Courses
https://amzn.to/2Zgcps4
These are my blogs on this topic:
https://wp.me/pachSU-5Z
https://wp.me/pachSU-63
https://wp.me/pachSU-7O
https://wp.me/pachSU-97
Martin Luther, though he is definitely flawed, also has some very good advice in the section of his Large Catechism and Small Catechism on the Ten Commandments. Although we do need to push back when he starts calling the Pope names, the Second Vatican Council tells Catholics that their separated brothers in Christ have much to teach us.
Envy is always envy, and theft is always theft, and these evils are not made right when laws or courts or judges condone our thefts in business or when we inherit property. He illustrates his teaching with the story of Herod, and how his wife Herodias and her daughter Salome conspired to have John the Baptist beheaded.
We also examine the extreme anti-Semitism of Luther, and how several of his commentaries on the commandments of the Decalogue contain unnecessary virulent anti-Semitic comments and slanders. Unfortunately, Adolph Hitler was able to use Luther’s anti-Semitic writings to justify the Nazi policies of the Holocaust.
Blog: http://www.seekingvirtueandwisdom.com/martin-luther-large-catechism-on-decalogue-do-not-envy-and-anti-semitism/
Please support our channel, if you wish to purchase these Amazon books, we receive a small affiliate commission:
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, Book of Concord, Including the Large and Small Catechism
https://amzn.to/3ghTJxK
St Justin Martyr demonstrates how both the Old Testament and the Greco-Roman moral philosophers both point to and are fulfilled by the coming of Christ into the world. St Justin’s Second Apology to the Roman Senate was written to protest the persecutions against the Christians in response to the accusations made by the Cynic Philosopher Crescens that the Christians were atheists impious to the traditional pagan gods, which would eventually result in Justin’s martyrdom. St Justin praises the moral philosophy of the stoics, but insists that Christianity is the true and complete philosophy. St Justin Martyr compares Jesus to Socrates, showing how Jesus is superior to Socrates.
St Justin also retells an entertaining dialogue from Xenophon’s Moralia between Hercules, and Lady Virtue and Lady Vice. Discussing the virtues and vices is a favorite topic for both Stoic Philosophers and the Eastern Church Fathers and Christian monastics. This story also shares some themes with the Parable of the Ten Virgins as interpreted by St Augustine and the modern psychologist, Scott Peck.
What led Justin to convert to Christianity? “When I was delighting in the doctrines of Plato, and heard the Christians slandered, and saw them fearless of death, and that they feared nothing, I perceived it was impossible that they could be living in wickedness and pleasure.”
This video draws from this blog:
https://wp.me/pachSU-eu
You can purchase Volume 1 of the Nicene Fathers from:
www.christianbook.com
You can purchase from Amazon:
Further Along the Road Less Traveled, by Scott Peck
https://amzn.to/3kPPMn5
The Road Less Traveled, by Scott Peck
https://amzn.to/3ilaGso
These books are mentioned in the video on St Justin Martyr’s Apology to the Emperor:
The History of the Church: From Christ to Constantine, by Eusebius (263-339), Penguin Classic, introduction by Andrew Louth
https://amzn.to/3eRbZgK
Kindle: The Complete Ante-Nicene, Nicene and Post-Nicene Collection of Early Church Fathers
https://amzn.to/3kMFdBa
History of Early Christian Literature (Midway Reprint Series), by Edgar Johnson Goodspeed
https://amzn.to/36S0UHV
The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years Hardcover, by John Anthony McGuckin
https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
The Early Church, by Henry Chadwick:
https://amzn.to/36W9OUB
The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100-600) (Volume 1) Paperback – August 15, 1975, by Jaroslav Pelikan:
https://amzn.to/2UB183E
The Path of Christianity: The First Thousand Years Hardcover, by John Anthony McGuckin:
https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
The original teachings of Jesus Christ were an outcome of
Buddhism, says Holger Kersten, a German theology teacher.
Hence one of the titles of the chapters in his book, "The
Original Jesus" (sub-titled 'Buddhist sources of Christianity') is 'Jesus the Buddhist'!
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 002: "Criteria & Historical Foundations“”BibleAlive
What is the nature of the 27 New Testament Documents? Learn our three goals for this course: We will try and 1) determine the meaning of the earthly life of Jesus illuminated by our Christian faith in his resurrection; 2) show Jesus’ central place in God’s plan of salvation and his role in revealing and carrying out that plan; and 3) show that the inspired portrait of the New Testament is not fictitious, but sheds light on the mystery of the real Jesus of Nazareth.
How Bible Scholars and Historians analyze the Gospels using critical methods to separate the fact from fiction with regards to the historical Jesus. The information in this slideshow is based on 200 years of scholarly research.
Historical evidence for the authenticity of the BibleSarah Salviander
Evidence is presented to support the New Testament as a reliable record of the ministry of Jesus and of the early Christian church. The means by which the New Testament has been preserved are also examined. Presentation by John Darms.
Let us vote on each of the sayings on Jesus, a red bead for each truly authentic saying of Jesus, a pink bead when the saying sure sounds like Jesus, gray, maybe, a black bead for a saying Jesus could not have said, although centuries of biblical scholars thought and taught otherwise.
Using this voting method, the self-appointed members of the Jesus Seminar in 1985 pronounced that only fifteen sayings were truly said by Jesus, while another seventy-five sayings were probably words of Jesus. There were a few eminent scholars in the group, most were middling academics, none were from the most eminent theological universities. But it was great television, great headlines, great press, controversial conspiracies, grabbing ten minutes of fame for this or that ignorant expert.
The original attendees of the Jesus Seminar have mostly been forgotten, with only a spare mention by Dr Wikipedia, but unfortunately the historical Jesus baton was passed to Bart Ehrman, one of the foremost textual critics of the New Testament, which means his specialty is examining the ancient Greek manuscript texts for variants. Dr Timothy Johnson wrote a book disputing the claims of the historical Jesus, The Real Jesus, which will be our main source. This book first looks back to the history of the church since the Reformation, and in the United States since World War II and the GI Bill, to understand how such beliefs can become widespread.
In addition to Professor Johnson's book, The Real Jesus, we will be consulting other works. If you wish to purchase these books, these links will help support our channel with a small affiliate commission:
The Real Jesus: The Misguided Quest for the Historical Jesus and the Truth of the Traditional Gospels, by Luke Timothy Johnson
https://amzn.to/3b0f77J
The Jesus Quest: The Third Search for the Jew of Nazareth, by Ben Witherington III
https://amzn.to/3C82S4O
Scripture in Tradition: The Bible and Its Interpretation in the Orthodox Church, by John Breck
https://amzn.to/3E5Kmuh
The History of Christian Theology, Audiobook, by Phillip Cary, The Great Courses
https://amzn.to/3m3l8qu
The Historical Jesus: The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant, by John Dominic Crossan
https://amzn.to/3CaZaYi
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus and the Heart of Contemporary Faith, by Marcus Borg
https://amzn.to/3puaHyk
The History of the Bible: The Making of the New Testament Canon, Audiobook, by Bart D. Ehrman, The Great Courses
https://amzn.to/3C6zQT2
The Greatest Controversies of Early Christian History, Audiobook, by Bart D. Ehrman, The Great Courses
https://amzn.to/2Zgcps4
These are my blogs on this topic:
https://wp.me/pachSU-5Z
https://wp.me/pachSU-63
https://wp.me/pachSU-7O
https://wp.me/pachSU-97
THE PLATONIC AND NEOPLATONIC TRADITIONS AND ROOTS OF CHRISTIANITYDr Ian Ellis-Jones
Excerpts from a major thesis written by Dr Ian Ellis-Jones - copyright Ian Ellis-Jones - all rights reserved - for information only - commercial use (except by copyright holder) prohibited
Many believe that Christ was never a real person in our world, and that He is an imaginary creation of a powerful sect that wanted to create a new religion. This is supported by the false fact that there are not strong historical testimonies that declare the historicity of Christ, but only those of the disciples and the wider circle of His followers.
Many believe that Christ was never a real person in our world, and that He is an imaginary creation of a powerful sect that wanted to create a new religion. This is supported by the false fact that there are not strong historical testimonies that declare the historicity of Christ, but only those of the disciples and the wider circle of His followers.......
CAN YOU STAND THE TRUTH?
THE CHRONICLE OF MAN’S IMPRISONMENT
LAST CALL!
A book with cosmological content in the form of a study, arraying (in its sum of 635 bibliographic citations which accompany its main corpus) information and excerpts from scientific research, ancient and sacred texts from every mythology, religion, philosophical viewpoints, the Christian Apocryphal Gospels, as well as metaphysical views, so as to compose the complete image of the puzzle of man’s role in the world. Furthermore, the contemporary problems of humanity and the entire planet are dealt with and fully explained.
And to close the circle of knowledge offered, many controversial issues are tackled, without reservations or in fear they might not be “convenient” to the readers…
If you are interested in learning more you can follow this link and take a look at the book of truth: https://bit.ly/3EIr6Vx
aA Compilation of LDS or Mormon Church History Events by Dr. Doug Maughan including the Joseph Smith papers Complete Chronology. Prepared for Bro. Maughan's Fall 2013 Church History Class and LDS World Travel Church History Tour Summer 2013
A Cult By Any Other Name: Early Christianity and the Greco-Roman Mystery Reli...Haley Shoemaker
A comparison of Early Christianity and the Mystery religions of Rome in the 2nd Century. More specifically I compare baptism as it is depicted in Tertullian's famous work "On Baptism" to its portrayal in Apuleius' novel "The Golden Ass."
The Nestorians are followers of Nestorius (c. AD 386–451), who was Archbishop of Constantinople. Nestorianism is based on the belief put forth by Nestorius that emphasized the disunity of the human and divine natures of Christ. According to the Nestorians, Christ essentially exists as two persons sharing one body. His divine and human natures are completely distinct and separate. This idea is not scriptural, however, and goes against the orthodox Christian doctrine of the hypostatic union, which states that Christ is fully God and fully man in one indivisible Person. God the Son, Jesus Christ, took on a human nature yet remained fully God at the same time.
This study guide, the second half of a two part study on how the early Christian church selected the books that comprise the canon of the New Testament, is one of a series to help leaders of a Bible study or Sunday School class who are too busy to research and prepare as well as they would like for the task. The entire series is engaging, colorful and challenging and is ready to go even at the last moment. More are in the works. Search using keyword "lessonstogo."
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Executive Directors Chat Leveraging AI for Diversity, Equity, and InclusionTechSoup
Let’s explore the intersection of technology and equity in the final session of our DEI series. Discover how AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be used to support and enhance your nonprofit's DEI initiatives. Participants will gain insights into practical AI applications and get tips for leveraging technology to advance their DEI goals.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Safalta Digital marketing institute in Noida, provide complete applications that encompass a huge range of virtual advertising and marketing additives, which includes search engine optimization, virtual communication advertising, pay-per-click on marketing, content material advertising, internet analytics, and greater. These university courses are designed for students who possess a comprehensive understanding of virtual marketing strategies and attributes.Safalta Digital Marketing Institute in Noida is a first choice for young individuals or students who are looking to start their careers in the field of digital advertising. The institute gives specialized courses designed and certification.
for beginners, providing thorough training in areas such as SEO, digital communication marketing, and PPC training in Noida. After finishing the program, students receive the certifications recognised by top different universitie, setting a strong foundation for a successful career in digital marketing.
A workshop hosted by the South African Journal of Science aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with little or no experience in writing and publishing journal articles.
3. AMAZON LINKS FOR
CHURCH HISTORIES CONSULTED:
Eusebius, History of the Church,
324 AD+
History of Early Christian
Literature, Edgar Goodspeed
Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol 1,
introductions and translations,
1870’s +
The Christian Tradition: A History
of the Development of Doctrine,
The Emergence of the Catholic
Tradition (100-600), Vol 1,
Jaroslav Pelikan
The Early Church, Henry Chadwick
The Path of Christianity: The First
Thousand Years, John Anthony
McGuckin
https://amzn.to/3eRbZgK https://amzn.to/36S0UHV
https://amzn.to/2UB183E https://amzn.to/36W9OUB https://amzn.to/2UHXMeW
www.christianbook.com
4. Today we will learn and reflect on the St Justin Martyr’s Apology to the
good Emperor Antonius Pius, and on what we know of the life of St Justin,
and his martyrdom during the reign of the next emperor and Stoic
philosopher, Marcus Aurelius.
What can we learn from this Apology?
St Justin Martyr demonstrates how both the Old Testament and the
Greco-Roman moral philosophers both point to and are fulfilled by the
coming of Christ into the world. St Justin introduced the language and
philosophical approach that formed the basis of later Christian language
and theology.
5. We always like to quote from the works we are
discussing. At the end of our talk, we will discuss
the sources used for this video, and my blogs that
also cover this topic. Please, we welcome
interesting questions in the comments. Let us learn
and reflect together!
8. The writings of St Justin the Martyr were highly esteemed in the early Church. His
many pages repeat the observations we have heard so many times before, but what
makes them special is often he is one of the first to make these observations.
Justin was born around 114 AD in Samaria to Roman parents. He studied
philosophy but was converted by an old sage who showed him how Christianity was
a fuller revelation of the truth.
9. Pelikan says it best, “Justin had
been prepared for Christian
revelation by the study of
Stoicism, then of Aristotelianism,
then of Pythagoreanism, and
finally of Platonism. None had
satisfied his search for truth, but
each had led him progressively
closer to those teachers who
were ‘more ancient than all
those who have the reputation of
being philosophers,’ the Old
Testament prophets.”
10. One comment that puzzled me when I read Justin’s Dialogue with Trypho is how he
says that he found stoicism wanting, which was puzzling because I found that the
writings of the Roman Stoic philosophers are so compatible with Christian teaching,
often enlightening Christian moral teaching. The monastic works of the Eastern
Church Fathers in the Philokalia and the Ladder of Divine Ascent, in particular,
borrow much of their terminology and categories of virtues and vices from the
Stoics.
Perhaps Justin was studying under a Greek stoic, as we discussed in our video on
the founder of Stoic Philosophy, Zeno of Citium. His writings have mostly been lost
to history, preserved in condensed form mostly by the ancient historian Diogenes of
Laertius. He notes that the writings of Zeno and his disciples were considered
libertine and sexually scandalous even by ancient standards, perhaps this is why
Carolingian and medieval copyists decline to copy them.
11.
12. Henry Chadwick observes that St Justin
employs the Platonic “concept of the
Divine Logos or Reason both to explain
how the transcendent Father of all deals
with the inferior, created order of things,
and to justify his faith in the revelation
made by God through the prophets and in
Christ. The divine Logos inspired the
prophets and was present in Christ. . . It is
implicit in Justin’s thesis that the
distinction between Father and Son
corresponds to the distinction between
God transcendent and God immanent.”
Whenever God speaks in the Old
Testament, St Justin teaches us that it is
the Word of God who speaks, the Divine
Logos, Jesus Christ.
13. After his conversion Justin still wore the philosopher’s cloak, both in church and in
agora, or town square of Hellenic cities, where he expounded the Good News about
the Way to Life. The stoic and platonic moral philosophers saw philosophy as an
evangelistic enterprise to exhort you to live a moral and godly life, so to the
ancients, Jesus was a philosopher, and to Christians, the fulfillment both of Judaism
and philosophy.
Battling heresy was a project for Justin. During his lifetime in the second century
there were many gnostic Christian sects, including the formidable Marcion who only
accepted an edited Luke and selected Pauline Epistles into his truncated Bible,
totally rejecting the Old Testament. Justin wrote a treatise against Marcion which
has not survived, scholars speculate that Tertullian’s work against the Marcionites
was so authoritative that the other anti-Marcionite works were not copied.
14. Justin later moved to Ephesus, where he debated the Jew Trypho, and later moved
to Rome where he composed what is thought to be his earliest extant work, his First
Apology addressed to Emperor Pius.
During the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, he debated the cynic philosopher
Crescens, who turned him into the authorities. “Rusticus the prefect said to Justin,
‘Obey the gods at once, and submit to the emperors.’ Justin answered, ‘To obey the
commandments of Jesus Christ is worthy neither of blame nor of condemnation.’ “
St Justin Martyr was beheaded for his beliefs. Many scholars suspect that his
martyrdom account in the Ante-Nicene Fathers quotes from the actual trial
proceedings.
15.
16. McGuckin writes, “Justin’s intellectual confidence
began a much more open trend among Christian
thinkers to believe they could adopt Jewish
theology and Hellenistic philosophical wisdom in
a judiciously balanced manner to serve as a
vehicle for Christian preaching. The fear of Greek
thought and terminology that the Gnostic
teachers had spread among many in the Church
was allayed by the success of Justin’s work,
conducted in a spirit of faithful and orthodox
confession.
His martyr’s death also sealed his reputation for
future generations.”
17. Turning to his work, the Apology to the Emperor, addressed to Emperor Antonius,
who adopted the succeeding Emperor, Marcus Aurelius:
18. Justin opens his apology, “Reason directs those who
are truly pious and philosophical to honor and love
only what is true, declining to follow the opinions of
the ancients if these be worthless,” a surprising
argument, given the weight that the Romans placed
on the ancient traditions. Right belief matters, “the
lover of truth should choose to do and say what is
right, by all means, and if threatened with death,” be
willing to lay down his own life.
Justin quotes Plato, “unless both the rulers and the
ruled philosophize, it is impossible to make states
blessed.” The ancients believed that to pursue
philosophy was to seek to live a godly life. Justin also
echoes Plato when he says, “Rulers should rule in
obedience, not in violence and tyranny, but in piety
and philosophy,” a somewhat ironic wish since under
the rule of the philosopher emperor Marcus Aurelius
he would suffer a martyr’s death. Saint Justin Martyr by Theophanes the Cretan,
painted 1540’s
19. The Christians were charged with atheism, for in the ancient
world atheists were those who did not believe in Zeus and Hera
and the other gods on Mount Olympus and all around us. Rarely
did the early Church Fathers argue that these gods did not exist,
but rather argued as did St Justin Martyr that these gods were
actually demons who appeared as apparitions of the ancient
gods to defile women and corrupt boys, striking terror in the
hearts of men.
St Justin speculates on why the Athenian jury condemned
Socrates to drink the hemlock drink, causing his death.
20. Copy after the Painting by Rubens "The Council of Gods“, Renoir, 1861
21. Copy after the Painting by Rubens "The Council of Gods“, Renoir, 1861
“When Socrates endeavored by true reason . . .
to deliver men from the demons,” then the
demons plotted to bring about his death on the
charge of introducing new divinities.
22. There was a double standard favoring pagan men in ancient Greece and
Rome, they were not expected to be chaste. This would change with the
early Christians, their major evangelical message was to repent, be baptized,
and sin no longer. Early in the apology Justin quotes Scripture from memory,
“whoever looks upon a woman with lust in his heart has committed adultery
with her in his heart before God.” And “If your right eye offends, cut it out;
for it is better to enter into the kingdom with one eye, than to be cast into
everlasting fire with two eyes.” Christ is sent to save sinners, “Christ calls not
the just nor the chaste to repentance, but the ungodly, the licentious, and
the unjust,” for the heavenly Father desires to forgive those who repent, He
does not seek to punish the guilty.
This sounds weak to those living in a warrior society, “if you love them who
love you, what good is this? Even fornicators do this. But I say unto you,
pray for your enemies, and love them that hate you, and bless them that
spitefully use you.”
St Mary’s Church, Cambridge
23. The Christian belief in the resurrection of
the dead was a stumbling block for
Marcus Aurelius in his Meditations and
for many Greeks. Justin argues that just
as men can be produced from a small
drop in the womb, so the bodies of men
“after they have been dissolved, and like
seeds planted in the earth, can in God’s
appointed time rise again and put on
incorruptible bodies.” As Christ said,
“what is impossible with men is possible
with God.”
Justin quotes many familiar verses
predicting Christ, such as Isaiah predicting
the virgin birth of Jesus and the
prophecies of the events of the
Crucifixion in Psalm 22. Justin has many
beautiful chapters on Isaiah, we
encourage you to discover them for
yourself.
surrection of the Flesh (c. 1500) by Luca Signorelli –1 Cor 15: "the trumpet shall
und, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
24. Justin sees in Jacob’s deathbed blessing of his
son Judah a prophecy of the coming of Christ:
“The scepter shall not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,
until tribute comes to him;
and the obedience of the peoples is his.
Binding his foal to the vine
and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine,
he washes his garments in wine
and his robe in the blood of grapes.”
The scepter is the foretold coming of Christ
the lawgiver, who will ride a foal into
Jerusalem before Passover, and “washing His
robe in the blood of the grape predicts the
Passion He would endure, cleaning by His
blood those who believe on Him.”
25. The early Church Fathers teach that
whenever the Deity speaks in the OId
Testament, that it is Christ, the Logos, the
Word of God who speaks as God. St Justin
teaches us that “Jesus Christ is the Son of
God and His Apostle, being of old the Word,
and appearing sometimes in the form of fire,
and sometimes in the likeness of angels.”
In this icon, the pre-incarnated Christ is one
of the three angels who visit Abraham and
Sarah, to tell Sarah that she will bear a son,
who will be named Isaac.
26. Likewise, St Justin teaches us that it was Christ
who spoke to the Moses from the burning bush.
Orthodox icons depict the pre-incarnate Christ
with the Virgin Mary as speaking from the
burning bush, this connection is hinted by St
Justin. Like the burning bush, Mary is not
consumed by the divine fire, as she is the
blessed Theotokos, the Mother and Bearer of
God. St Justin says, “Christ appeared in the
likeness of an angel to Moses and the other
prophets,” “having become man from a virgin.”
“Out of the bush He said to Moses, ‘I am that I
am, the God of Abraham,” “and the God of your
fathers.’ This signified that these fathers,
though dead, are yet in existence, and are men
belonging to Christ Himself.”
27. Justin includes one of the earliest
descriptions of baptism and the
eucharist. When new Christians come
to “believe that what we teach and
say is true, and undertake to live
accordingly, they are instructed to
pray and to entreat God with fasting,
for the remission of their past sins, we
praying and fasting with them” in
preparation for the baptism in the
name of the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. The washing away of sins in
baptism is called illumination, because
those who learn the truth “are
illuminated in their understandings.”
28. Only those who have been baptized
can partake of the Eucharist, “the
flesh and blood of that Jesus who
was made flesh.” After the bread
and wine is distributed a collection is
taken up: “The well-to-do, and
willing, give what each thinks fit; and
what is collected is deposited with
the presiding elder, who takes care of
the orphans and widows and the sick
and needy and imprisoned and
strangers among us.”
29. The footnotes for the Anti-Nicene Fathers note that the following
excerpt on the Eucharist from St Justin has been interpreted by
Calvinists, Lutherans, and Roman Catholics alike as proving their
doctrine of the Eucharist, so inexact is the language. It is also
another example of how St Justin influenced how Christians
today think about the Christian faith.
30. St Justin teaches us, “Not as common
bread and common drink do we receive
the Eucharist. As Jesus Christ our Savior,
having been made flesh by the Word of
God, had both flesh and blood for our
salvation, so likewise have we been
taught that the food which is blessed by
the prayer of His word, and from which
our blood and flesh by transmutation are
nourished, is the flesh and blood of that
Jesus who was made flesh.” (LXVI)
31. Just as St Justin claims that Plato claimed parts of his philosophy
from Moses, so here St Justin accuses the cult of Mithras from
appropriating the form of the Eucharist in their rites. This
criticism also makes the Christian Eucharist sound less suspect to
Roman ears, since the slander from some was that Christians
drink the blood on sacrificed infants during their rituals.
32. McGuckin has a chapter on “The Church and War,” and
he includes an excerpt from the Apology that rejects the
possibility of a just war. Indeed, Justin’s disciple Tatian
claimed that “all wars were inspired by demons.”
Justin quotes from the prophets that one day “many will
beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into
pruning hooks. Nation will not raise its sword against
nation, and they will no longer learn the arts of war.”
Justin teaches this prophecy was fulfilled when “twelve
ignorant and unskilled men went out from Jerusalem to
the wide world and with God’s help proclaimed to every
race of people that they had been sent by Christ to
teach God’s Word to all. And we, who formerly killed
one another, now not only refuse to make war on our
enemies, but even go willingly to our deaths, confessing
Christ, so as to avoid even lying to our interrogators or
deceiving them.”
33. Appended to his First Apology is an Epistle of Marcus Aurelius to the Roman Senate
where the emperor relates a miracle on a campaign where the Roman army found
itself in desperate straits in their campaigns against the German barbarians
threating the borders of the empire. The emperor prayed to the pagan gods for
deliverance, and when he learned that many of his soldiers were Christians he asked
that they pray to their God as well.
34.
35. This epistle tells us of these
Christians, how they “began
the battle, not by preparing
weapons, nor arms, nor
bugles; for such preparation
is hateful for them, on
account of the God they bear
about in their conscience.”
36. Even after the emperors became Christian emperors after Constantine, the early
Church always viewed military service as a necessary evil, the early Church always
viewed bloodshed as abhorrent, and required that all soldiers who shed blood in
battle would need to undergo many years of penance before they were allowed to
partake of the Eucharist, a practice that is not followed today, and which enables us
to make sense of this comment in the Epistle.
37. The Epistle continues, immediately
when the Christians “cast
themselves on the ground to pray
to their God, water poured from
the sky, refreshingly cool water, but
on their enemies fell a fiery
withering hail. And immediately we
recognized the presence of God
following this prayer, a God
unconquerable and indestructible.”
38. The Protestant scholar compiling this work in the late 1800’s footnotes
this Epistle as “spurious, no doubt, but the literature of the subject is very
rich.” Modern scholars no doubt agree. What this appended Epistle
does tell us is that many early Christians wanted to believe that this
Epistle from Marcus Aurelius was authentic, which is all the more
remarkable since his writings, the Meditations, was largely unknown in
the ancient world. In my blog on Marcus Aurelius we discuss whether he
was an active persecutor of Christians. Perhaps he wasn’t, but the
historical evidence suggests he was.
39.
40. SOURCES: Although the writings of St Justin Martyr were well known in the ancient
world and prominently mentioned by the ancient church historian Eusebius in the
fourth century, the Apology and the Dialogue with Trypho have survived in two
Greek manuscripts dated 1364 and 1541, the latter being a copy of the former.
They are not totally complete, there is a leaf missing. Goodspeed says that the
second Apology to the Senate is included as an appendix to the Apology to the
Emperor. The majority of scholars believe that the other surviving works attributed
to St Justin are written by authors in later centuries.
41. When reading the works of St Justin and St Irenaeus, my reaction was that I was
learning nothing new, this was the language that I heard Christians speaking all my
life. Then I realized, they were the writers who originated how we talk about Christ
and the sacraments and how Christians inherit the covenant, they were the origin of
much of later Christian theology. Justin was the first writer to describe the feast of
the Eucharist, and was the first to say that Christian Gentiles are the “new Israel.” St
Justin and St Irenaeus both upheld the canonical status of the Old Testament, and
read the Old Testament in a Christo-centric manner, showing how the Old
Testament points to Christ in every word.
42. My main source for St Justin Martyr is the Ante-Nicene fathers, Volume 1. Since it
was translated in the late 1800’s, the usage is awkward and sometimes dated, but
even with the passage of time the introductions which includes the history of the
manuscripts are thorough and excellent.
The works of the second-generation Apostolic Fathers have much better translations
available, but when perusing Amazon I did not see any other affordable translations
for St Justin Martyr.
We recommend that you purchase the Christian Book Distributors eBooks on the
Ante-Nicene Fathers, these books are no longer in print and are hard to find, this is
the only eBook that includes both the introductions and footnotes. Although you
will often spend as much purchasing the works of one Church Father as you would
purchasing all three series in the Amazon eBooks, the amount spent is still
affordable and well worth the money.
43. Eusebius penned an influential church history during the reign of the Christian
Emperor Constantine the Great, he will be the subject of a future blog and video.
Henry Chadwick’s history of the early church is influential, and Pelikan’s five volume
set likewise serves as a handy reference for the development of Christian doctrine.
McGuckin’s history of the first millennium of the church includes chapters on how
the church influenced many aspects of daily life in the ancient world, and reviews
both the history and the literature of the early church.
44. CHURCH HISTORIES CONSULTED:
Eusebius, History of the Church, 324 AD+
History of Early Christian Literature, Edgar
Goodspeed
Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol 1, introductions
and translations, 1870’s
The Christian Tradition: A History of the
Development of Doctrine, The
Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100-
600), Vol 1, Jaroslav Pelikan
The Early Church, Henry Chadwick
The Path of Christianity: The First
Thousand Years, John Anthony McGuckin
45. One hobby of mine is taking photographs of
icons and stained-glass windows of churches.
These churches have not reviewed these
videos, so they do not endorse them.
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