Athenagoras of Athens and the Death and Resurrection Pattern

The life and contributions of Athenagoras of Athens reflect a profound interplay between death and resurrection, not only in a spiritual sense but also in the theological convictions that shaped early Christianity. Athenagoras, a philosopher and early Christian apologist, lived during a time of significant persecution and intellectual challenge. To appreciate the depth of his contributions, we must first acknowledge the intellectual and spiritual deaths that he confronted, as well as the subsequent resurrection of ideas that emerged through his works.

Naming What Must Die

In the context of Athenagoras' time, several significant identities and patterns needed to be relinquished for the sake of a burgeoning Christian faith. The first identity that must die is rooted in the classical philosophical worldview, which often prioritized reason and materialism above spiritual truth. Athenagoras himself navigated the tension between Hellenistic thought and Christian faith. His writings, particularly the "Supplication for the Christians," challenge the prevailing assumptions held by the Roman Empire regarding Christians as atheists and criminals.

Athenagoras pointedly dismantles these false securities by arguing for the reasonableness of Christian belief in the one true God. He asserts, "For who can deny that the truth is in the greatest degree preferable to the false" (Athenagoras, "Supplication for the Christians"). This acknowledgment of the need to relinquish the false dichotomy between faith and reason was revolutionary. Hence, the death of old philosophical constructs was essential to embrace a new understanding of faith as both reasonable and true.

The second pattern that necessitated death was the social stigma surrounding Christianity at the time. Christians were often marginalized and persecuted, viewed as subversive to the societal norms upheld by Hellenism. Athenagoras’ identity as a philosopher forced him to confront the death of his societal standing among his peers. Embracing Christianity required the abandonment of the security found in public acceptance and accolades.

Additionally, the ingrained expectations of divine retribution prevalent in Greco-Roman religion needed to be challenged. Athenagoras introduced the concept of a God who is both just and loving, negating the necessity for sacrificial practices that characterized the pagan rituals of his time. This radical shift in understanding God's nature marked a significant theological death, paving the way for a resurrection of a more profound covenantal relationship between God and humanity.

The Descent into Death

The process of dying to self is often fraught with pain and resistance, and Athenagoras’ writings reflect the struggles of this descent. His eloquent defense of the Christian faith illustrates the difficulty he faced in reconciling his philosophical background with the tenets of Christianity. Gethsemane moments, akin to those experienced by Christ, resonate through Athenagoras' appeals to the emperor, wherein he pleads for mercy on behalf of his fellow Christians. This vulnerable positioning reflects a stripping away of ego—his identity as a philosopher was not enough to shield him from the wrath that Christians faced.

Athenagoras wrestled with the implications of his faith, navigating societal scorn while maintaining his intellectual integrity. The very act of writing to the Roman authorities was, in itself, a descent into death, a step into potential persecution that could cost him greatly. His willingness to confront dissenting opinions and critique the philosophical status quo exemplifies this painful journey of letting go.

Moreover, Athenagoras faced the challenge of presenting a God who refrains from intervening in the world in a manner consistent with the moral framework of his time. His arguments necessitate a painful acknowledgment of a God who allows suffering for the sake of human free will. As he contends, the existence of evil and suffering does not negate the goodness of God; rather, it emphasizes the need for humanity to exercise their freedom responsibly. This theological wrestling highlights the struggle inherent in the descent into an authentic faith that embraces both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility.

Holy Saturday Waiting

Between the death of old identities and the resurrection of new truths lies the liminal space of waiting, akin to Holy Saturday. The disciples experienced this profound sense of dislocation and despair following Christ's crucifixion, mirroring the uncertainty that Athenagoras faced in his own advocacy for the faith. This waiting period is a time of reflection, where hope is tenuous, and clarity is obscured by ambiguity.

Athenagoras found himself navigating a wilderness of intellectual skepticism and societal rejection.