the first and second apologies · justin martyr

Justin Martyr, a philosopher who converted to Christianity and was executed in Rome around 165, addressed these defences to the emperor Antoninus Pius and the Senate. They argue that Christians are neither atheists nor criminals, describe early baptism and eucharist, and claim that the Logos who became Christ was already at work in the best of Greek philosophy.

Justin Martyr, The First and Second Apologies, translated by Leslie William Barnard (Paulist Press, 1997). Read in full, Freshman Spring at Torrey Honors.