Defending and Defining the Faith

In Early Christian Apologetics, D.H. Williams offers a comprehensive presentation of Christian apologetic literature from the second to the fifth century, considering each writer within the intellectual context of the day. Williams argues that most apologies were not directed at a pagan readership. In most cases, he says, ancient apologetics had a double object: to instruct the Christian and to persuade weak Christians or non-Christians who were sympathetic to Christian claims. Traditionally, scholars of apologetics have focused on the context of persecution in the pre-Constantinian period. By following the links in the intellectual trajectory up though the early fifth century, Williams prompts deeper reflection on the process of Christian self-definition in late antiquity. Taken cumulatively, he finds, apologetic literature was in fact integral to the formation of the Christian identity in the Roman world.

D. H. Williams is Professor of Patristics and Historical Theology in the Departments of Religion and Classics, Baylor University. Ph.D. 1991 University of Toronto; Th.M. 1985 Princeton Theological Seminary. Williams specializes in early Christian literature and theology, ancient Roman religions, the history of doctrine; the fourth century Trinitarian controversies and ancient Christianity in China.

Preface Abbreviations Introduction I Matters of Definition and Qualification II The Roman World of Early Christianity III Construction of Christian Self-Definition IV Persecution and the Ambiguity of Roman Law V Earliest Christian Responses VI Christian Faith and Intellectual Culture VII Hellenized Antagonism Toward Hellenism VIII Philosophy as Protagonist IX Brilliant Diatribe X Apology as Dialogue and Appeal XI Clash of the Giants: XII Divine Judgment in Vindication and Salvation XIII Apologist Par Excellence XIV Apologetic as Exhortation XV The Unexpected Pagan Emperor XVI Cities in Conflict XVII Final Anti-Pagan Polemics Epilogue