Christian Intellectuals and the Roman Empire: From Justin Martyr to Origen

In the third century, a group of Greek Christians gained prominence and legitimacy as intellectuals in the Roman Empire. Jared Secord contends that the success of Christian intellectualism during this period had little to do with Christianity itself, and that Christian views on martyrdom and Greek culture were less distinctive than previously believed. He suggests that the successes experienced by Africanus and Origen in the third century emerged as consequences of a larger shift in intellectual culture and imperial policies under the Severan dynasty.

Format: Hardback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2020
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

In the early third century, a small but significant group of Greek Christians began to gain recognition and legitimacy as intellectuals within the Roman Empire. Jared Secord, in his book "Christian Intellectualism in the Roman Empire," challenges the notion that the success of Christian intellectualism during this period was solely attributed to Christianity itself. Secord examines the relationship between these Christian thinkers and the broader Roman intelligentsia, highlighting their deep engagement with the norms and realities of Roman intellectual culture.

Secord begins by examining the thought of a succession of Christian literati, including Justin Martyr, Tatian, Julius Africanus, and Origen. He compares each of these Christian authors to a diverse selection of their non-Christian contemporaries to assess their contributions and influences. In his analysis of Justin Martyr's apologetic works, Secord challenges the notion that Christian views on martyrdom were inherently distinctive. He demonstrates that, rather than being unique, Christian views on martyrdom were influenced by the broader cultural context in which they were expressed.

Secord further explores the influence of Tatian's views on Greek culture on his reception by Christians as a heretic. He shows how Tatian's understanding of Greek philosophy and literature shaped his own theological ideas, which were at times controversial within the Christian community. Secord suggests that the successes experienced by Africanus and Origen in the third century were not solely due to any change in attitude toward Christianity by imperial authorities but rather a broader shift in intellectual culture and imperial policies under the Severan dynasty.

Secord's book is a valuable contribution to the study of early Christianity, classical studies, and Roman history. It challenges the myopic focus on Christianity as a religion and demonstrates the complex and multifaceted relationship between Christian thinkers and the broader Roman intellectual world. By reassessing the thought of these Christian authors and their contemporaries, Secord provides a fresh perspective on the growth and success of the Christian movement in the third century.

This volume will stimulate new research in these fields and contribute to our understanding of the complex and dynamic relationship between religion, culture, and society in the ancient world.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271087078