Origen’s cool response to Celsus

From my layman-level understanding, Origen wrote this in response to Celsus arguing that Plato said some of the same things Christ said but in a more intelligent form, to which Origen has this in part as a response which, considering the success of Christianity in getting sometimes the same truth to the masses, would have probably impressed Plato some. Here is Origen’s cool response: And further, we are not to imagine that a truth adorned with the graces of Grecian speech is necessarily better than the same when expressed in the more humble and unpretending language used by Jews and … Continue reading Origen’s cool response to Celsus

All ye that are heavy laden

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Jesus Matthew 11:28-30 Translated into shoegaze: “Drift toward Me, all you who are blurred and heavy with the static of sin and of the world, and I will drown out the noise for you. Let your weight dissolve into My feedback; soak in the hum of My … Continue reading All ye that are heavy laden

No one

Celsus supposes that we may arrive at a knowledge of God either by combining or separating certain things after the methods which mathematicians call synthesis and analysis, or again by analogy, which is employed by them also, and that in this way we may as it were gain admission to the chief good. But when the Word of God says, “No man knoweth the Father but the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him,” He declares that no one can know God but by the help of divine grace coming from above, with a certain divine inspiration. … Continue reading No one

We maintain

Origen to Celsus 248AD For ourselves, we maintain that human nature is in no way able to seek after God, or to attain a clear knowledge of Him without the help of Him whom it seeks. He makes Himself known to those who, after doing all that their powers will allow, confess that they need help from Him, who discovers Himself to those whom He approves, in so far as it is possible for man and the soul still dwelling in the body to know God. Origen. 1885. “Origen against Celsus.” In Fathers of the Third Century: Tertullian, Part Fourth; … Continue reading We maintain

Maybe and maybe not

I think Plato may have been somewhat impressed with the success of Jesus! These words of Plato are noble and admirable; but see if Scripture does not give us an example of a regard for mankind still greater in God the Word, who was “in the beginning with God,” and “who was made flesh,” in order that He might reveal to all men truths which, according to Plato, it would be impossible to make known to all men, even after he had found them himself. Plato may say that “it is a hard thing to find out the Creator and … Continue reading Maybe and maybe not

Jesus vs the philosophers

Origen’s response to Celsus’ recommendation of Christians to abandon Christ for the philosophers (the philosophers did not seem to connect well with the common man even to this day which Origen sees as a major flaw for the philosopher in comparison to Jesus who seems to connect with all sorts of classes of men and women and even those in slavery): Who, then, are those wise men and philosophers from whom Celsus would have us to learn so many divine truths, and for whom we are to give up Moses the servant of God, the prophets of the Creator of … Continue reading Jesus vs the philosophers

Origen vs Celsus

Origen 248AD responding to Celsus (a skeptic of Christianity) From this remark, it would seem that Celsus supposes that the appearance of Christ to His disciples after His resurrection was like that of a spectre flitting before their eyes; whereas these gods, as he calls them, in human shape always present themselves to those who desire it. But how is it possible that a phantom which, as he describes it, flew past to deceive the beholders, could produce such effects after it had passed away, and could so turn the hearts of men as to lead them to regulate their … Continue reading Origen vs Celsus

Obedience isn’t legalism

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:8-10 “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” – Jesus Matthew 4:4 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” – … Continue reading Obedience isn’t legalism

No small prediction at all

AND foreseen, predicted and prophecied in the Holy Bible before Christianity went worldwide! No small prediction at all. To foresee and predict the most worldwide religion in the history of the world before it was is quite the prediction. Here is GROK helping me out: Furthermore, this astonishing global expansion was not some happy accident of history—it was explicitly foreseen, predicted, and prophesied in the Holy Bible centuries before Christianity ever left the borders of Judea!No small prediction at all. Consider Isaiah 49:6, written around 700 BC, long before Jesus was born: “It is too small a thing for you … Continue reading No small prediction at all