Introduction.

Such was the state of the world when the Christian religion began to be proclaimed. This was the diverse mindset, these the customs of the nations and peoples that constituted the Roman Empire. Such were the temperaments of the people whom the preachers and defenders of the Christian religion had to contend with, instruct, and enlighten. From this, one can infer the boldness of the undertaking, the total transformation that had to be—and was intended to be—brought about in the world, the persecutions that were to be expected, and the obstacles of every kind that had to be overcome.

The first thing these new worshipers and disciples of Jesus Christ undertook was to tear away from the pagansoriginal: Heyden — referring generally to the non-Christian, polytheistic inhabitants of the Roman Empire. the unfortunate blindfold that veiled their eyes, and to hold before them that heavenly torch which illuminated the absurdities and the horrors of idolatry, as well as every insult offered to decency and nature by the licentiousness of their customs. Since they themselves had been born and raised in the pagan religion and were instructed in everything concerning idolatrous practices—possessing a full knowledge of mythologyoriginal: Fabellehre — literally "fable-lore," referring to the body of traditional stories regarding gods and heroes. or pagan theology, knowing everything that occurred in the abominable mysteriesoriginal: Geheimnissen — refers to the "Mystery Cults" of antiquity (like those of Eleusis or Isis), which involved secret initiation rites. of this religion into which they themselves had been initiated, and being familiar with all the excesses which these mysteries occasioned—they certainly had the advantage on their side in making the pagans feel how greatly reason was dishonored and humanity insulted by idolatry. How great was their superiority, since they borrowed from their own enemies the very weapons with which to combat them?