Athenagoras’ The Resurrection of the Dead

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’ treatise on the Resurrection of the Dead, one of two surviving works from this prolific writer. 

Similar in spirit to Irenaeus’ Against Heresies, this text appears to have been written to the Church in response to doubts regarding the resurrection of the dead. Athenagoras attempts to convince the faithful that a physical resurrection and the judgment of all is a reasonable, and necessary belief. He often argues from logic, reason, and natural experience, using a style similar to Justin Martyr and Tatian.

The work also serves as a warning to budding apologists today: we should be careful not to place too much confidence in worldly ideas. One of the early criticisms of the resurrection was that it would be impossible for all people to have their physical bodies reconstituted, as some had been eaten by other people and thus the matter would effectively belong to two different people. While refuting this, however, Athenagoras makes confident assertions regarding digestion that are at odds with modern biology, leading to significant holes in his argument. Despite this, his main assertion, that God is powerful enough to remake the bodies of all people at the resurrection of the dead, remains true today. 

And now, please enjoy this rendition of Athenagoras’ defense of The Resurrection of the Dead.

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