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Apologists
(183 words)

[German version]

The oldest Christian, Greek and Lat. texts that are grouped together under this name originate from legal speeches (apologia or defensio), without representing a specific literary genre. They are aimed at educated pagans with the purpose of introducing the Christian religion. In particular, they refute the charges, often made against the Christians, of immorality, atheism, irrationalism and separatism. Some apologias are written in an aggressive style, in that they strongly criticize paganism and emphasize the superiority of Christianity.

The 2nd cent. was …

Cite this page
Junod, Eric (Lausanne), “Apologists”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e128760>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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