Against the Christians: Arguments of Celsus, Porphyry and the Emperor Julian

Against the Christians: Arguments of Celsus, Porphyry, and the Emperor Julian is a profound exploration of late antiquity's intellectual opposition to burgeoning Christian ideologies. This riveting collection weaves together a tapestry of philosophical musings, historical critiques, and rhetorical prowess. The anthology underscores major anti-Christian polemics of the era, offering a spectrum of criticism towards Christian doctrines while proposing alternative perspectives and venerating traditional Roman and Hellenistic values. Notable contributions include masterfully assembled arguments that challenge the theocratic transformations within the Roman Empire and question the logical foundations of Christian beliefs. The authors, including philosophical heavyweights like Porphyry and Flavius Josephus, offer varying vantage points, each rooted in their distinct backgrounds. Collectively, they represent a convergence of pagan scholarship with a shared urgency to preserve philosophical traditions against the encroaching Christian resurgence. Respected authors such as Emperor Julian and Tacitus draw from diverse fields'—philosophy and history'—to lend their voices to a narrative steeped in cultural resilience and intellectual diversity, aligning their discourse with broader Hellenistic traditions that champion reason and empirical wisdom. This anthology serves as a gateway to the rich intellectual heritage of early resistance to Christian doctrine, inviting readers into a dialogue that resonated throughout ancient scholarship. Scrutinizing conflicts between pagan and Christian ideologies, the collection promises to enrich understanding and appreciation of this pivotal epoch. Scholars and curious readers alike are encouraged to delve into this compendium for a nuanced perspective on historical debates, appreciating the intricate fabric of ancient thought that continues to inspire contemporary discourse on cultural and religious plurality.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
— An Introduction draws the threads together, discussing why these diverse authors and texts belong in one collection.
— Historical Context explores the cultural and intellectual currents that shaped these works, offering insight into the shared (or contrasting) eras that influenced each writer.
— A combined Synopsis (Selection) briefly outlines the key plots or arguments of the included pieces, helping readers grasp the anthology's overall scope without giving away essential twists.
— A collective Analysis highlights common themes, stylistic variations, and significant crossovers in tone and technique, tying together writers from different backgrounds.
— Reflection questions encourage readers to compare the different voices and perspectives within the collection, fostering a richer understanding of the overarching conversation.