Descriptions:
In this episode, Dave explores how an early anti-Christian named “Celsus” approached early Christianity. You may notice some similarities as you consider how some people approach the Latter-day Saint faith today.
“Celsus and Modern Anti-Mormonism,” by Aaron Christensen: https://bit.ly/3uJP7Fs
You can read Celsus’ book (or what is left of his words) for free on Archive.org (if it’s available to borrow digitally) after creating a free account. Here’s a link: https://bit.ly/3ddrleM
“Offenders for a Word: How Anti-Mormons Play Word Games to Attack the Latter-day Saints,” by Daniel C. Peterson and Stephen D. Ricks (online book): https://bit.ly/3d9nAaf
Transcript and additional notes here: https://bit.ly/3vhj7Jv
Notes:
-Celsus also seems to justify harsh aggression towards Christians by saying that his words were “for [Christians’] edification, so that they can see for themselves the true character of the doctrines they have chosen to embrace and the true sources of their opinions.” It’s reminiscent of the classic phrase, “I’m only doing this because I love you.” Care or concern for the salvation or spiritual well-being of others, in my opinion, does not justify attempting to debunk or discredit their faith. If someone is looking to teach me more about their faith, I’d much rather hear about what they believe and why, instead of hearing about why my beliefs are invalid.
-Celsus also attempted to discredit Christian scripture by pointing out changes made to the text: “I have even heard that some of your interpreters, as if they had just come out of a tavern, are onto the inconsistencies and, pen in hand, alter the original writings three, four, and several more times over in order to be able to deny the contradictions in the face of criticism” (pg. 64). Similar accusations are levied against the Book of Mormon.
-Celsus also portrayed Christians and their interpretations as “perversions of the truth” (pg. 130). He claimed Christianity was a “systematic corruption of the truth, their misunderstanding of some fairly simple philosophical principles–which of course they botch” (pg. 107).
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