![]() More numerous than mortals, and the throng For if the gods were begotten, they ought to be born even until now, as men, too, are born yea, much more numerous should the gods be than men, as the Sibyl says:. For either they have grown old, and on that account no longer beget, or they have died out and no longer exist. But now, where is their generation exhibited? For if of old they begot and were begotten, it is plain that even to the present time there should be gods begotten and born or at least if it be not so, such a race will be reckoned impotent. What Has Become of the Gods?Īnd of the gods of former times, if indeed they were begotten, the generation was sufficiently prolific. For when you read of their births, you think of them as men, but afterwards you call them gods, and worship them, not reflecting nor understanding that, when born, they are exactly such beings as you read of before. And this is your case, too, when you read the histories and genealogies of the so-called gods. The Gods are Despised When They are Made But Become Valuable When Bought.Īnd in truth it does seem to me absurd that statuaries and carvers, or painters, or moulders, should both design and paint, and carve, and mould, and prepare gods, who, when they are produced by the artificers, are reckoned of no value but as soon as they are purchased by some and placed in some so-called temple, or in some house, not only do those who bought them sacrifice to them, but also those who made and sold them come with much devotion, and apparatus of sacrifice, and libations, to worship them and they reckon them gods, not seeing that they are just such as when they were made by themselves, whether stone, or brass, or wood, or color, or some other material. As you then afterwards urged me to do, I am desirous, though not educated to the art of speaking, of more accurately demonstrating, by means of this tractate, the vain labour and empty worship in which you are held and I wish also, from a few of your own histories which you read, and perhaps do not yet quite understand, to make the truth plain to you. For you know and remember that you supposed our doctrine was foolishness. When we had formerly some conversation, my very good friend Autolycus, and when you inquired who was my God, and for a little paid attention to my discourse, I made some explanations to you concerning my religion and then having bid one another adieu, we went with much mutual friendliness each to his own house, although at first you had borne somewhat hard upon me. Includes the Catholic Encyclopedia, Church Fathers, Summa, Bible and more all for only $19.99. Please help support the mission of New Advent and get the full contents of this website as an instant download.
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