Evidence I

[Christ4Ever]

I am currently reading a rather large volume on evidentiary handling of Scripture and would like to share an excerpt from a non-Christian source. It makes reference to a Lucian of Samosata a second-century Greek writer whose works contain sarcastic critiques of Christianity. As a Christian some would say of what value does such a writing provide one? Let's see what he has to say, and then we'll be able to better see why even these types of writings as a historical document really are supportive, though I'm sure not intended as such by the author.

"The Christians, you know, worship a man to this day-the distinguished personage who introduced their novel rites, and was crucified on that account....You see, these misguided creatures start with the general conviction that they are immortal for all time, which explains the contempt of death and voluntary self-devotion which are so common among them; and then it was impressed on them by their original lawgiver that they are all brothers, from the moment that they are converted, and deny the gods of Greece, and worship the crucified sage, and live after his laws. All this they take quite on faith, with the result that they despise all worldly goods alike, regarding them merely as common property. (Lucian of Samosata, DP, 11-13)

Change the wording a bit and you could very easily be reading something from every succeeding generation to ours of someone who sees us as "misguided creatures". So of what value is this critique to us as Christians or to a non-believer looking for truth? Let us see what we can extract from it.

• Jesus is worshiped by Christians
• Jesus introduced new teachings in Palestine
• Jesus was crucified because of these teachings
• All believers are brothers from the moment of conversion
• False gods are denied
• Living according to His laws
• That we will live forever

It confirms certain pieces about Christianity in its earliest beginnings as seen by one outside of the Christian community on subjects which we acknowledge even to this day as being truth. A non-believer may disagree with the beliefs laid out in scripture, but cannot dismiss the authenticity communicated in the writings of scripture and lived by our earliest brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus and recorded historically by at least one non-Christian.

May this in prayer benefit all who read it.
Through Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen
C4E

 

[eddieb]

Where did you come accross this writing?

 

[Christ4Ever]

Actually, the writing brother initially comes from a book I'm currently studying. When I'm finished with it and do not fear providing it to use as a referral for apologetics I'll do so. Others might feel comfortable doing otherwise, but I do not. However, as a PM I will have no problem letting you know, as you will by then understand why I won't do so in open forum.

As far as the quote. I confirmed it from a separate source which can be found in wikipedia under "Passing of Peregrinus". Also, a search of "The Death of Peregrinus by Lucian" can also provide the referenced quote.

For me as a Christian, the worth of this writing is only in its acknowledgment by a non-christian concerning the beliefs of the early church (125AD). It adds to the historical validity of the Bible and early church.
YBIC
C4E