User:Roger Pearse/Galen on the Christians

1

Kellhoffer writes: The passage is from Galen’s (lost) summary of Plato’s Republic. Richard Walzer, Galen on Jews and Christians (London: Oxford University Press, 1949) 16, dates this work by Galen to c. 180 C.E. English translation of the Arabic: Walzer, Galen, 15; cf. Elaine Pagels, Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas (New York: Random House, 2003) 8–9.

Most people are unable to follow any demonstrative argument consecutively; hence they need parables, . . . just as now we see the people called Christians drawing their faith from parables [and miracles], and yet sometimes acting in the same way [as those who philosophize]. For their contempt of death [and of its sequel] is patent to us every day, and likewise their restraint in cohabitation. For they include not only men but also women who refrain from cohabiting all through their lives; and they also number individuals who, in self-discipline and self-control in matters of food and drink, and in their keen pursuit of justice, have attained a level not inferior to that of genuine philosophers.

De pulsuum differentiis 2.3–4

One might more easily teach novelties to the followers of Moses and Christ than to the physicians and philosophers who

cling fast to their schools.

De pulsuum differentiis 2.4

. . . in order that one should not at the very beginning, as if one had come into the school of Moses and Christ, hear talk of undemonstrated laws, and that where it is least appropriate.” -- English translation: Walzer, Galen, 14.

Walzer, Galen, 58

Kellhoffer:

Even if Christians do not merit recognition as “true philosophers,” their “contempt of death,” sexual continence and moderation “in matters of food and drink” strike Galen as entirely commendable.