Arguments of Celsus, Porphyry, and the Emperor Julian, Against the Christians: Also Extracts from Diodorus Siculus, Josephus, and Tacitus Relating to the Jews

by Thomas Taylor

This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.

Genres: Religion, History, Classics, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Ancient History

52 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1830

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database

Thomas Taylor was an English translator and Neoplatonist, the first to translate into English the complete works of Aristotle and of Plato, as well as the Orphic fragments. He published prolifically for over 50 years.

Reviews

[Greg]

Some of the O.G.'s of literate Christian bashing are represented in this work. Sadly much of their work only has survived because Christian writers quoted them in their polemics against these 'heathens'. The rest of the works good Christians sent the flames, along with innumerable other works that our civilization is poorer for no longer having (ok, I can't prove this, but they probably had their hands in the mass destroying of literature from Antiquity, along with a bunch of Caliph's, and other people who have followed the timeless advice of destroying a peoples' past to destroy the people...... ah believers in abstract concepts.....).

I wish I had a real copy of this book, the google book version looks nice and all, but I'd really like my own copy, but not one with a lighthouse in Maine or wherever the fuck that picture is from on it.

[Valenfore Alestreneon]

A very, very good criticism of Christianity by people who lived during the days of Early Christianity. A must-read for all of those who oppose their tyranny.

[Galicius]

This comment refers only to the Celsus which quickly comes across as ancient trash writing that is preserved only because it was refuted by Origen in 248 AD.

[John Cairns]

What especially delighted me was finding in it the origin of Thomas Hardy's poem, of Panthera's lover (if I've got the spelling right. He was a Roman soldier, she the unlikely virgin, Mary) though I suppose it is more likely she was impregnated by Joseph on being betrothed. It's a bit rich claiming god the father's the father but as Augustine says, the more incredible, the greater the miracle and supernatural power behind it. Celsus then goes on she went off to labour in Egypt as the only way to keep herself and child. Wonderful and more plausible than a flight from Herod.

[Onyango Makagutu]

Loved the book

[Miroslav]

tak toto nesadlo... aj keď je knižka extrémne krátka a veľmi úzko zameraná, prakticky nič som sa nedozvedel

[Mads Floyd]

A very essential historical piece which is almost entirely neglected.

[Peter J.]

Very interesting work.