Ante-Nicene Christian Library, Vol. 23: Origen Contra Celsum

also we assert to be stronger than God, who rules the world and who rules over them: Answers—chapters 15, 16. Celsus goes on to say that our shrinking from raising altars, statues, and temples has been agreed upon among us as the badge of a secret society: Answer—chapters 17–20. Celsus’s assertion that those devoted to the service of God may take part in public feasts or idol offerings: Answer—chapter 21. Answer to the objection that Christians themselves observe certain days, such as the Preparation Friday, before the Sabbath, the Passover, and Pentecost—chapters 22, 23. Reasons urged by Celsus why Christians may make use of idol offerings and public sacrifices at public feasts; examination of these—chapters 24–27. Celsus proceeds to state that if Christians abstain from idol offerings, they ought, in consistency, to abstain from all animal food, like the Pythagoreans followers of Pythagoras, known for vegetarianism: Answer—chapters 28–32. Celsus alleges that if we come into the world at all, we must give thanks, first-fruits, and prayers to demons, so that they may prove good and kind: Answer—chapters 33, 34. Celsus remarks that the satraps provincial governors under ancient Persian kings of a Persian or Roman monarch could do great injury to those who despised them, and he asks, will the satraps and ministers of air and earth be insulted with impunity? Answer—chapters 35, 36. He asserts that if Christians invoke those whom they address by barbarous names they will have power, but not if invoked in Latin or Greek; the falsity and absurdity of this statement—chapter 37. He misrepresents the language addressed by Christians to Grecian statues—chapter 38. Scoffing language of Celsus to the Christians on the rejection of Jesus, whom he terms a demon, and on His inability to save His followers from being put to death—chapter 39. Contrast between the Christian and heathen doctrine of punishment—chapter 40. The railing address of Celsus, to the effect that although Christians may revile the statues of the gods, they would not have reviled the gods themselves with impunity; that nothing happened to those who crucified Jesus; that no father was ever so inhuman as was the father of Jesus, etc.: Answers—chapters 41–44. Celsus asserts that it is of no use to collect all the oracular responses that have been delivered, for the world is full of them, and many remarkable events have happened in consequence of them, which establish their reality and divinity; general remark in answer—chapter 45. Contrast between the conduct of the Pythian priestess the oracle at Delphi, who frequently allowed herself to be bribed, and that of the prophets, who were admired for their downright truthfulness—chapter 46. Assertion of Greeks that Jewish history contains fabulous accounts is refuted—chapter 47. Celsus’s endeavor to show that the doctrines delivered at the celebration of the pagan mysteries are the same as those of the Christians; the absurdity of this—chapter 48. Celsus reproaches Christians with inconsistency in their treatment of the body: Answer—chapters 49, 50. Celsus approves the Christian doctrine that the righteous