Critics of Christianity: Celsus, Porphyry, and the Emperor Julian Introduced, Translated, and Compared

Critics of Christianity is the first book to bring together complete English translations of the most formidable Platonist critics of Christianity from the Roman world, together with a sustained comparison of their arguments. Drawing on Celsus’ systematic attack on Jesus, Porphyry’s learned exposure of forgery, and the Emperor Julian’s re-narration of Christian history, this volume reveals a sophisticated, evolving tradition of anti-Christian thought spanning the second to fourth centuries CE. More than a sourcebook, this study situates the critics within their intellectual, religious, and political contexts, tracing shared themes, while highlighting key differences in approach. Essential reading for scholars and students of early Christianity, ancient philosophy, and religious polemic, this book offers a window into how Christianity was understood, dissected, and contested by its most intelligent ancient opponents. Read more