Хришћански „атеизам” у Првој Апологији Св. Јустина Философа
Christian “atheism” in the First Apology of St. Justin the Philosopher

Summary/Abstract: Subject of analysis in this article is the strategy of St. Justin the Philosopher in his First Apology in the process of refuting the frequent accusation of impiety, i.e. atheism, which was attributed to Christians by their contemporaries in the second century. More specifically, particular attention is paid to Justin's effort to influence the cessation of the persecution of Christians, caused by negative perceptions, with the argument that the accusation of atheism is completely unfounded. Additionally, his theological views are evaluated in the context of his intention that in addition to reactive and apologetic effectiveness, they also have a return effect on strengthening and preserving the Christian identity and the unity of the Church. Bearing in mind that Justin's dialogic endeavor takes place in carefully selected categories and conceptual expressions that fully correspond to the cultural milieu of his interlocutors, his apologetic theology is also valued in the context of his protreptic potential to influence the change of mind in a wider social context. As a desired result of Justin's approach, which arose directly from his own experience of conversion, the First Apology was to bear witness to Christianity as a faith based on Revelation, which does not have a politically subversive potential, but, on the contrary, represents the embodiment of wisdom, the realized union of philosophy and piety, which is characterized by solemnity, responsibility and devotion to virtues and Tradition.

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