21nd century apologists have long been discredited as mere representatives of hellenistic philosophy and religion. On the other hand, Justin and the others have seen themselves in an unbroken continuity to the "remembrances of the apostles". The truth, however, seems to be somewhere in the middle. It is surprising to observe the originaly of 2nd century apologists and their clever attempts at getting into conversation with their pagan environment. A prominent example for the apologists' originality is Justin Martyr's doctrine of the Logos spermatikos. It can neither be satisfactorily explained as a derivation from Stoa, nor as such from Middle Platonism or from Philo of Alexandria. The unfolding of the idea rather has to be appreciated as Justin's own creation. The same is true for other instances in Justin's texts, namely his proof of bodily resurrection, his concept of soteriology, his use of the terms [photismos and echpurosis] and last not least his remarks on a symbolic understanding of the cross.

Enthalten in:
Theologische Literaturzeitung; 2005/1 Monatsschrift für das gesamte Gebiet der Theologie und Religionswissenschaft (2005)

---

Serie / Reihe: Theologische Literaturzeitung

Personen: Ulrich, Jörg

Schlagwörter: Apologetik Iustinus, Martyr