There was a time in the history of the church when godly Christians were considered atheists. During the second century A.D., certain Roman emperors required that all subjects of Rome believe in and offer sacrifices to the pantheon of gods that Rome celebrated. In particular, all good Romans were required to confirm the deity of the emperor himself – who was said to be a living god. Those who did not were known as atheists (those without a god). Generally speaking, during these times of persecution, those who were accused of atheism could save themselves quite easily; all they had to do was make a public sacrifice to the emperor. Good pagans who were falsely accused gladly did so. Those godly Christian men and women (and in some very sad cases, children) who refused to do so, were executed publicly.
Into this mix was born a young man named Justin, entering into life in Palestine just after the death of the last apostle, John. His wealthy parents gave him an excellent education, and he proved to be a brilliant thinker. Like most highly educated pagan men of his day, his academic and professional field of choice was philosophy. Justin’s head was full of knowledge, but his heart was empty. Although he pursued pleasure and wisdom, he could find no satisfaction (think book of Ecclesiastes here, not The Rolling Stones). One day, while walking along a beach and contemplating all the competing philosophies of his day and the truths they offered, he came across an old man who engaged Justin in conversation. After hearing Justin’s moral and philosophical dilemma, he told him directly: “Seek no more, Jesus Christ is Lord.” That simple message changed Justin’s life. After studying the teachings of Christ and the apostles, Justin became a committed Christian and immediately began teaching that Jesus satisfies both the heart and mind of man. He was a gifted communicator, and soon found himself teaching philosophy in Ephesus and then finally in Rome. He also wrote books on Christian apologetics (defending the claims of Christianity) and taught convincingly that Jesus was in fact both Lord and Messiah. Three of his books survive to this day, one a running commentary with a Jewish man from Ephesus (Dialogue with Trypho) in which Justin skillfully explains the reasons why Trypho should consider the truth claims of Christianity. It is now known as the classic expression of early Christian apologetics.
In the mid-160’s, while teaching in Rome, Justin held a public debate with a philosopher named Crescentius. Public debates were a great feature of the day and were attended by thousands. Justin won the debate so decisively that Crescentius reported him to the Roman prefect and brought charges of atheism against him. Justin and several of his students were tried, found guilty, publicly flogged, and then beheaded. Since that time he has been known as Justin Martyr, and his life is celebrated by the church with a feast day on June 1.
Are you a Christian atheist? Do you acknowledge no other gods except Jesus Christ as Lord? There are no emperors demanding your allegiance today. You are not required to make public sacrifices to the gods in order to demonstrate your adherence to the law. But there are multiple “gods” vying for your allegiance nevertheless; all of them offering you pleasure and peace – none of them coming through on their promises. Where are you seeking for truth, hope, purpose, and meaning in life? Are you satisfied? Are you fulfilled? Are you happy? Seek no more, Jesus Christ is Lord!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym