Welcome to our historical fiction series on the philosophical validity of Christianity! Set in the year 250, just two years after Origen's "Against Celsus" was released, we imagine a debate between Celsus and Origen at the very school founded by Justin Martyr in Rome. This is a work of historical fiction, aiming to reflect the arguments of both men faithfully as they appear in their books.
In this video:
Celsus' Opening Statement: Celsus stands before the audience as a defender of reason, arguing against the tenets of Christianity, which he views as a threat to the traditions and intellectual heritage of Greco-Roman civilization.
Origen's Opening Statement: Origen responds by connecting Greek philosophy to Christian theology, asserting that Christianity fulfills and transcends the wisdom of the ancients through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The debate unfolds with Celsus challenging the historical accuracy and philosophical depth of Christianity, and Origen offering profound responses that bridge the gap between Greek philosophical ideals and Christian teachings.
This debate serves as a fascinating exploration of early skepticism towards Christianity and showcases how the critiques of Celsus mirror those of modern skeptics. As Dr. John Lennox aptly put it, "The new atheism is an old atheism, except it's much more aggressive. The new atheism wants to destroy religion. That's a very different thing."
Join us in this thought-provoking journey through history and philosophy. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Origen will cross-examine Celsus, and both will deliver their closing remarks.
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Reading List:
Primary Sources
Origen: Against Celsus
Origen: On First Principles
Celsus: The True Doctrine: A Discourse Against the Christians
Secondary Sources
Hubertus R. Drobner: The Fathers of the Church: A Comprehensive Introduction
Margaret M. Mitchell and Frances M. Young (eds.): The Cambridge History of Christianity, Volume 1: Origins to Constantine
Henry Chadwick: The Early Church
Stephen Priest (ed.): Philosophy and Theological Discourse: From Locke to Wittgenstein
Historical and Philosophical Context
Reginald E. Allen: Greek Philosophy: Thales to Aristotle
John M. Cooper (ed.): Plato: Complete Works
Jonathan Barnes (ed.): Aristotle: Complete Works
M. Andrew Holowchak: The Stoics: A Guide for the Perplexed
Modern Analyses and Commentaries
Peter W. Martens: Origen and Scripture: The Contours of the Exegetical Life
E. Earle Ellis: The Making of the New Testament Documents
N.T. Wright: The New Testament and the People of God
James Hannam: God’s Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science