The Scholar Athenagoras of Athens
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents the biography and ideas of Athenagorus, the Athenian philosopher who moved from fighting Christianity to strong defense of it, and was entrusted with teaching at the catechetical school in Alexandria in the second half of the second century.
Main idea
The lecture shows how Athenagorus defended Christianity against pagan accusations (atheism, cannibalism, moral corruption), using a philosophical rational method and biblical references. He also clarified his defense of the resurrection of the bodies and its rational and theological proofs.
The spiritual and educational dimension from the Coptic Orthodox faith perspective
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Defense of faith: he affirms that reason and philosophy can be used to serve faith and respond to unjust accusations.
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The value of holiness and morals: he highlights the virtues of chastity, fidelity and not indulging in the world’s passions as central to Christian distinctiveness.
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Resurrection of the bodies as a central doctrine: he explains that the resurrection achieves the purpose of human creation, and that God is able and willing to reassemble bodies no matter how they changed or decomposed.
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Order and divine justice: the resurrection ensures God’s justice in reward and recompense for both body and soul together.
Practical points for teaching and spiritual formation
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Educate believers to explain their doctrines clearly and rationally when needed.
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Strengthen a Christian practical ethic (chastity, humility, respect for ecclesial order) so as to vindicate the Christian people from opponents’ accusations.
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Collect and study the Fathers’ texts on resurrection and defense of the faith to form an educational reference.
Conclusion
The lecture presents rich material combining philosophical reflection, theological defense and quotations from Holy Scripture, and calls to use reason in the service of faith and to hold fast to the fundamental doctrines especially the resurrection of the bodies and the saints’ pattern of life.
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