Apologetics and Martyrdom Flashcards
(14 cards)
Who is Justin the martyr?
he wrote apologetics to emperor Adrianus. He wrote this for fair Christian treatment and the defense of the Christian faith.
What is written in Justin’s 1st apology?
It was a critique on how Christians were being false accused and mistreated.
What were the accusations against Christians made by the emperor?
- They claim the name of the lord, 2. They are atheist, 3. They are disloyal citizens, 4. They are cannibals, 5. They are incests
Explain “They claim the name of the lord”, how did this come to be?
Emperor Nero initiated the fire in Rome, and he blamed the Christians. He initiated this fire so that he could reform the city and build a new one, so that he could be accepted by the senate. As he was only 17, he wanted to prove that he was the emperor. So, Nero made this claim, and made it so that all Christians were to be killed.
How was “They claim the name of the lord” defended?
Justin asked that Christians not be killed simply due to their status as Christians. There must be a due process, and those that do wrong should be punished, but those that don’t shouldnt.
Explain how “They are atheist” and “they are disloyal citizens” accusation came to be
They accused Christians of atheism because Rome is polytheistic, and their emperor is also a god. Since the Christians didn’t acknowledge these beliefs, they got accused.
How was “They are atheist” and “they are disloyal citizens” refuted?
Justin reinstated that Christians believe in one true God, and they they are not disloyal because they pray and pay taxes. They also pray for the rulers.
Explain how “they are cannibals” came to be
Because we eat the body and blood of Christ
Explain how “they are incests” came to be
because we are “brothers and sisters’
How was “they are cannibals” and “they are incests” refuted?
Christians are ethical people, who even have sex w/o lust and for the sole purpose of recreation.
What is Justin’s 2nd apology about?
It was highly academic and focused on disseminating info on what is right and wrong.
Which two other people also defended the Christian faith?
Irrenaeus and Tertullian
What did Tertullian do?
he said “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church”
What did Irrenaeus do?
He addressed gnosticism, which was a wrong interpretation of the Bible.
