“You shall have no other gods before me.”

Exodus 20:3

Did you know that at one time in church history, it was possible to be a Christian Atheist? During the second century A.D., certain Roman emperors required that all subjects of Rome worship the pantheon of gods that Rome celebrated. In addition (and in some cases in particular under certain emperors), citizens of Rome were required to confirm the deity of the emperor himself—he was a living god. One proved their belief and loyalty by making an annual sacrifice to, or on behalf of, the emperor. Those who did not were known as atheists (without a god).

Into this mix was born a young man named Justin, entering life in Palestine just after the death of the last apostle, John. His wealthy parents gave him an excellent education, and he proved to be a brilliant thinker. Like most highly educated pagan men of his day, his field of choice was philosophy. Justin’s head was full of knowledge, but his heart was empty. Although he pursued pleasure and wisdom, he could not find satisfaction (see the book of Ecclesiastes). One day, while walking along a beach and contemplating all the competing philosophies and what truths they offered, he struck up a conversation with an older man who told Justin, “Seek no more, Jesus Christ is Lord.” That simple message changed his life. After studying the teachings of Christ and the apostles, Justin became a committed Christian and immediately began teaching that Jesus can satisfy both the heart and mind of man. He was a gifted communicator and eventually taught in Ephesus and then in Rome itself. He wrote books on apologetics (defending the claims of Christianity) and taught convincingly that Jesus was, in fact, both Lord and Messiah. Three of his books survive to this day; the best known and most important is a running commentary with a Jewish man from Ephesus entitled Dialogue with Trypho, in which Justin skillfully explains the reasons why Trypho should consider the truth claims of Christianity. It is known today as the classic expression of Christian apologetics.

In the mid-160s AD, while teaching in Rome, Justin held a public debate with a philosopher named Crescentius. Public debates were a great feature of the day and were attended by thousands. Justin won the debate so decisively that Crescentius, in a fit of rage, reported him to the Roman prefect and brought charges of atheism against him. Justin and several of his students were tried, found guilty, publicly flogged, and then beheaded. Since that time, he has been known as “Justin Martyr,” an apt name for a great scholar who chose death over lies.

Are you a Christian Atheist? Do you acknowledge no other God except Jesus Christ? There are no emperors demanding your allegiance today. You are not required to make public sacrifices to the gods to demonstrate your adherence to the law. But there are multiple “gods” vying for your allegiance nevertheless; all of them promising you pleasure and peace—none of them coming through on their promises. Where are you seeking truth, hope, purpose, and meaning in life? Are you satisfied? Are you fulfilled? Are you happy? Seek no more, Jesus Christ is Lord!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jym

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