Last Sunday evening Pastor Nate Meece walked those of us who gathered for our Sunday evening worship/teaching time through the history of the Creed of Nicaea. He placed the creed in its historical context and shared with us some of the champions of the orthodox faith who helped form the creed and the issues facing the early church at that time. It was fascinating (from my perspective at least). There will be more to come over the next few months as we walk through the creed itself and see its connections to both the Scripture and Christian history.
Speaking of Christian history, were you aware that at one time in the history of the church it was possible to be a Christian Atheist? In AD 161, Marcus Aurelius became emperor of Rome. Marcus fancied himself a philosopher, but his wisdom did not keep him from continuing a practice that had been common in the Roman Empire — requiring Roman subjects to proclaim their faith in the pantheon of gods that Rome celebrated, and in particular, to proclaim and confirm the deity of the emperor himself. Marcus Aurelius was to be honored as a living god. Those who refused were considered atheists (those without a god).
Into this mix was born a young man named Justin (AD 100-165). Entering into life in Palestine just after the death of the apostles of Christ, 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 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 not find satisfaction (see the book of Ecclesiastes). One day, while walking along a beach and contemplating all the competing philosophies and what truths they offered, he came along an old man who told Justin, “Seek no more, Jesus Christ is Lord.” That simple message changed his life. After studying the teachings of Christ and the apostles, Justin became a committed Christian and immediately began teaching that Jesus can satisfy both the heart and mind of man. He was a gifted communicator and eventually taught in Ephesus and then in Rome itself. He 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 the man should consider the truth claims of Christianity. It is known today as a classic expression of Christian apologetics.
In the mid-160s 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 often attended by thousands). Justin won the debate so decisively that the enfuriated Crescentius reported Justin 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.”
Are you a Christian Atheist? Do you acknowledge no other Lord but Jesus Christ? 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