Celsus in his World: Philosophy, Polemic and Religion in the Second Century

Celsus wrote the True Word, an anti-Christian treatise, but his identity is disputed. This volume brings together ancient philosophers, specialists in Greek literature, and historians of early Christianity and ancient Judaism to explore Celsus' cultural, philosophical, religious, and political world and his defense of it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Celsus, a enigmatic figure in ancient history, left a lasting impact on the development of Christianity. Despite the debate surrounding his identity and the exclusive transmission of his anti-Christian treatise, known as the True Word, through the hands of renowned Christian scholar Origen, Celsus remains an intriguing character. This interdisciplinary volume, comprising ancient philosophers, Greek literature specialists, and historians of early Christianity and ancient Judaism, seeks to place Celsus within the cultural, philosophical, religious, and political context from which he emerged. While his work may initially appear to be an attack on Christianity, it is actually a defense of a world that Celsus deeply believed in. This volume's unique contribution lies in its ability to articulate the diverse aspects of that world, engaging scholars with an interest in late antiquity, the histories of Christianity, Judaism, and Greek thought.

Celsus, a renowned ancient philosopher, left a profound mark on the history of Christianity. While his identity remains contested, his anti-Christian treatise, titled the True Word, has been preserved through the efforts of the esteemed Christian scholar Origen. Despite the ambiguity surrounding his background, Celsus remains an intriguing figure. This interdisciplinary volume, comprising esteemed ancient philosophers, Greek literature experts, and historians specializing in early Christianity and ancient Judaism, aims to contextualize Celsus within the cultural, philosophical, religious, and political milieu from which he emerged. While his writings may initially appear to be a direct assault on Christianity, they are, in fact, a defense of a world that Celsus passionately believed in. This volume's unique contribution lies in its ability to present a comprehensive portrayal of that world, captivating scholars with an interest in late antiquity, the histories of Christianity, Judaism, and Greek thought.

Weight: 856g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108832441