Porphyry's Against the Christians: The Literary Remains [Hardcover]

Porphyry (Author), R. Joseph Hoffmann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1994

Prominent among the pagan critics of the early Christians was Porphyry of Trre (ca. 232-305), scholar, philosopher, and student of religions. His Against the Christians, condemned to be burned in 448, was a work of admirable historical criticism. The surviving fragments of this work, newly translated by Biblical scholar Hoffmann, present Porphyry's most trenchant comments on key figures, beliefs, and doctrines of Christianity.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek

Product Details

• Hardcover: 181 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (July 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879758899
• ISBN-13: 978-0879758899
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,071,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique ancient perspective, January 25, 2005

By 

Adem Kendir (Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Porphyry's Against the Christians: The Literary Remains (Hardcover)

This book presents a reconstruction of Porphyry's third century work "Against the Christians" taken from the (probably 4th century) text of Macarius Magnes. The excerpts by Porphyry are divided thematically and are accompanied by references to the biblical passages he was referring to. Because almost no anti-Christian works survive from antiquity, this reconstruction is particularly valuable as an insight into how 'pagan' or non-Christian philosophers may have viewed Christianity. Porphyry was obviously familiar with Christian teaching and scriptures, and composed a sophisticated refutation of its doctrine. There were clearly many who were deeply familiar with Christian doctrine and did not reject it out of ignorance. This book would primarily be important for studies on early Christianity, the persecutions and the religion's spread, as well as for philosophy. Because this is one of the only extant philosophical sources that was directed against Christianity. the work is essential reading for Christian-'pagan' relations in the empire. The epilogue to the book may provide a useful background for someone unfamiliar with the context. The translation is good, and the book well-organized and easy to go through. Definitely recommended.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pagan's Perspective on Christianity, November 24, 2006

By 

Zeeskyte - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Porphyry's Against the Christians: The Literary Remains (Hardcover)

This was an interesting look at Christianity from the perspectives of the Roman/Greek pagans. The only way to remove Porphyry's 15 book work refuting Christianity was to burn them as well as the 30 book reply by Apollnarius and other Christian works which referenced Porphyry directly.

Evidently, Porphyry's work included refutations based on geography referenced in the Gospels, as well as Babylonian law texts 'borrowed' to flesh out the five books of Moses during the Babylonian period, etc. The quotes that have survived have been paraphrased to hide their source and survived in lesser known works. This book is interesting from its historical perspective. I have to admit it was refreshing to hear a defense of Idolatry, the folly of worshiping a criminal and the hypocrasy of celibacy, as since Peter was married (1 Cor. 9:5). Porphyry's criticisms are unique because unlike Celsus, he had studied the gospel writings in significantly more depth (since he was a former convert?).

The Epilogue wasn't bad - it was carefully written and researched, though more footnoting would help.

The book gave me a new perspective on the debate. It is regrettable a form of Graeco-Roman polytheism did not survive to the modern era. Its debate adds new depth to religious thought. Its disappointing to hear from other reviewers that this book would only appeal to 'Christian haters'. This accessment is wrong. However, if you have a hard time reading opposing ideas about 'biblical difficulties', you probably should not read the book.

Because of the dilution of Porphyry's words, and the selection of words design to annoy rather than enlighten, the quotes are not as razor sharp as they should be. You get what survived the intellectual purge and the reason why to evaluate them afresh.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a shame the original work is lost, November 24, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Porphyry's Against the Christians: The Literary Remains (Hardcover)

This is a fascinating look at early criticism of Christianity from the Roman perspective. Obviously, the material Hoffmann brought together in this volume represent mere fragments of the original 15 books Porphyry composed against the Christians (all copies of the original work were ordered burned by the Church in 448). It is nonetheless interesting to read Porphyry's extant criticisms of the inconsistencies, contradictions, and absurdities found in the Christian gospels.
The epilogue Hoffmann includes for context on Jewish, Christian, Pagan interaction in the 3rd century is worth the cover price.