Celsus (1)

This book is an interesting contrast. First, the introduction by a contemporary philosopher, with the standard obscurantist, important-sounding, pretentious language. Then, the discourse by Celsus, written in plain English. Since this is a translation, and the translation was done by the same author that wrote the introduction, it appears modern day philosophers can actually write in language that can be read without recourse to a dictionary every third word, and that actually means something once you finish the sentence. It is also interesting because the arguments Celsus made are some of the same that are being made today. He points out the contradictions in Christianity, and the fact that the faith really isn't a great source for morality. Of course, he isn't anti-religion. He promotes the Roman gods, and believes people should pray to them, and of course, support the emperor as the god's chosen one on Earth. Overall, it was okay, but nothing I hadn't heard before, including the introduction.… (meer)

Celsus's work survives because his Church Father critics quoted him in a major fisking of the time. And yet Celsus makes a fairly good case against Christian doctrine. True, it is in part something close to an ad hominem attack (Christians are credulous), and some of his status quo assumptions aren't very impressive. Nevertheless, anyone interested in the development of early Christian theology, the Jesus movement, martyrdom, apologetics, and philosophers as critics of religion should read this book.

A great reconstruction of the text, by the way!… (meer)