Athenagoras’ Plea for the Christians

Athenagoras was an Athenian philosopher who, like Justin Martyr and Tatian, had come to believe in the teachings of Jesus. Unlike these two, however, it is likely that Athenagoras came to faith through reading the Scriptures in an attempt to disprove them. This episode contains Athenagoras’ Plea for the Christians. It was written around  A.D. 177 in order to be presented to the Roman Emperors Aurelius and Commodus. 

This work, like several previously covered, is an attempt to defend the Christian faith in a coherent and philosophically-sound manner. Athenagoras is well-versed in reason and secular writings, using both to his advantage. He employs these to refute the idea that Christians are atheists, because they do not worship the idols of the state, by describing the God in which they have placed their hope. Additionally, in addressing false, scandalous claims regarding the practice of Christians, Athenagoras appeals to the moral uprightness of these early believers. In doing so, however, he describes some rather severe beliefs: that marriage is a necessary evil, that sex is reserved solely for procreation, and that committing sin could cause one to lose their salvation. 

The view of sin and physical pleasure presented, while consistent  with the picture of a faithful follower of Christ in the Shepherd of Hermas, appears at odds with much of modern Christianity. Thus, on the one hand, this work serves to remind us today that God is Holy and that sin, in any form, is serious. On the other, it also suggests that external culture has influenced the beliefs and practices of the Church, because throughout the appeal the virtue of Christians is used to show the superiority of their faith.

If you would like to read more of the writings of the Early Christian Fathers, please visit ccel.org to view the full collection.