But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do so with gentleness and respect… - 1 Peter 3:15
As some of you may know, I serve as an adjunct professor of Christian apologetics at Indianapolis Theological Seminary. I teach a course on apologetics to seminary students generally one semester per year. It is not a second job. My work is right here at LifePoint. However, it does allow me to exercise my teaching gift and to make connections with students and ministry staff from across the city (and occasionally, the world). I do not enjoy it enough to make it my vocation. My heart is firmly entrenched in the local church. But, it is fun. I have just started a new course and it reminds me of one of my favorite early apologists. The godly man who went by the moniker “Justin Martyr.”
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). They were also considered worthy of death.
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 and the Rolling Stones). One day, while walking along a beach and contemplating all the competing philosophies and the truths they offered, he came across an old man who shared with Justin what is likely the oldest Christian creed, “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 of them (Dialogue with Trypho), is a running commentary with a Jewish man from Ephesus 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 infuriated 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