Who is St. Justin Martyr

Who is St. Justin Martyr?

St. Justin Martyr, born around A.D. 100 and martyred around A.D. 165, a Christian apologist of the 2nd century AD. He hailed from Flavia Neapolis, converted to Christianity, and devoted himself to teaching and defending the Christian faith. His notable literary contributions include two apologies and a dialogue. Pope Leo XIII recognized his contributions by honoring him with a feast day on April 14th.

Examples of his works

1)Discourse to the Greeks (Summary) https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0135.htm (Source)

In his writings, Justin Martyr critiques Greek customs, mythology, and culture while advocating for the superiority of Christian teachings. He argues that Greek customs lack holiness and promote immoral behavior, highlighting the absurdities and inconsistencies within Greek mythology. Justin condemns the shameless practices of the Greeks, such as excessive banquets and sensual indulgences, which he believes lead to moral decay. Ultimately, he appeals to the Greeks to embrace Christian wisdom and the teachings of the Divine Word, which he believes bring peace, quench passions, and elevate the soul to a higher spiritual realm.

2)The First Apology: (A summary of the first 10 chapters of 60) https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0126.htm (Source)

Justin Martyr addresses the Emperor Titus Ælius Adrianus Antoninus Pius Augustus Cæsar, appealing for justice and fair treatment for Christians who are unjustly hated and abused. He demands a fair investigation into the charges against Christians and asserts that they should be judged based on their actions, not merely their name. Justin challenges the accusations of atheism against Christians, arguing that they worship the true God and reject the soulless idols of the pagan religions. He asserts that God desires moral virtues rather than material sacrifices, and he emphasizes the importance of imitating God's virtues to obtain eternal life. Justin concludes by urging that all people should have the freedom to learn and follow the teachings of Christianity.

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