Introduction.

...sure judges, who alone deserve to be heard. But let them present even one among their own who can measure up to our philosophers of the first centuries of Christianity—one who could be compared to Clement of AlexandriaClement of Alexandria (c. 150–215 AD) was a Christian theologian who sought to unite Greek philosophy with Christian faith. and OrigenOrigen (c. 184–253 AD) was one of the most prolific scholars of the early Church, known for his deep analytical writings on the Bible. regarding their vast knowledge; to TertullianTertullian (c. 155–220 AD) was a prolific early Christian author from Carthage, famous for his aggressive and brilliant defenses of Christianity against paganism. and Athenagoras in their strength of proof; to Lactantius and CyprianSt. Cyprian (c. 210–258 AD) was the Bishop of Carthage and a master of Latin rhetoric who died as a martyr. in the grace of their eloquence; and above all, let them present one who can be placed alongside these great men in terms of modesty, purity of morals, and the most sublime and heroic virtues.

And what does one find in the philosophers of this century? Much pride and presumption, a restless zeal to track down and repeat whatever the godless and freethinkersoriginal: Freigeister — a term often used pejoratively by religious writers in the 18th century to describe Enlightenment thinkers who challenged traditional religious dogma.—whom they slavishly transcribe—have ever said or scribbled against religion, faith, and good morals in previous centuries. For that is their character; therein consists their superior scholarship and their talent: they act as an echo for all those who, inspired by the spirit of hell, have ever worked toward the seduction of the human race. And with what success do they fulfill this, their noble calling? One may judge that from the behavior and morals of those who are blind, weak, and neglected enough to listen to them, believe them, and find a taste for their babbleoriginal: Gewäsche — literally "wash" or "nonsense," used here to dismiss Enlightenment philosophy as empty talk..

To dispel these unfortunate darknesses in which the world lay buried was the first intention of our Christian...