Pagan Apologetics and Christian Intolerance in the Ages of Themistius and Augustine

In opposition to the claim that "fourth century paganism was morally, spiritually and intellectually bankrupt" (p.171), A. shows how, for example, the philosopher Themistius used his knowledge of Christianity to appeal "for tolerance based on a mutual belief in God's transcendence" (p.182). The atte...

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Bibliographic Details
Author:Clifford Ando
Published: S.n., s.l., 1996
Volume:4
Pages:171-207
Periodical:Journal of Early Christian Studies
Format:Article
Topic:- Biography > Relations and Sources > Paganism
- Doctrine > From man to God > Jesus Christ. Redemption. Sacraments. Church. Grace. Mariology. > Tolerance > Tolerance - intolerance > [Tolérance / intolérance]
Status:Active
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Summary:In opposition to the claim that "fourth century paganism was morally, spiritually and intellectually bankrupt" (p.171), A. shows how, for example, the philosopher Themistius used his knowledge of Christianity to appeal "for tolerance based on a mutual belief in God's transcendence" (p.182). The attempts of pagans to use Christian efforts to prohibit pagan ritual behaviors, "signa", in Augustine's sense of an inner reality. A.'s careful study affirms the need to see the pagan-Christian relationship within the whole culture and not just in relation to specific crises or as what was a "leftover" from a bygone age.

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