This volume gathers some of Porphyry's most significant philosophical writings: the four books On Abstinence from Animal Food, the subtle allegorical essay On the Homeric Cave of the Nymphs, and the Auxiliaries to the Perception of Intelligible Natures, supplemented by an appendix on the wanderings of Ulysses. Together they display the range of late antique Neoplatonism, uniting ethical discipline, metaphysical ascent, and symbolic exegesis. Porphyry writes in a learned, analytic style, ye...

Against the Christians is a literary critique of Christianity. Its incisive remarks extend to key figures, philosophies, and dogmas. The divinity of Jesus is questioned, as is the truthfulness of the apostles and the Christian concept of God on a larger scale. It rejects the gospels as the work of frauds who attributed their own writings to late disciples of Jesus.

This essential volume presents two of the most influential philosophical texts of the Neoplatonist thinker Porphyry, a towering figure in late antiquity whose writings helped bridge the gap between Platonic metaphysics, classical religion, and early Christian theology. In On Abstinence from Animal Food, Porphyry lays out a sweeping ethical, metaphysical, and theological argument for vegetarianism, rooted in the belief that nonviolence toward all living beings is a condition for spiritual p...

Against the Christians: Arguments of Celsus, Porphyry, and the Emperor Julian is a profound exploration of late antiquity's intellectual opposition to burgeoning Christian ideologies. This riveting collection weaves together a tapestry of philosophical musings, historical critiques, and rhetorical prowess. The anthology underscores major anti-Christian polemics of the era, offering a spectrum of criticism towards Christian doctrines while proposing alternative perspectives and venerating t...

The Old Testament Interpreted: 20 Analytical Books offers a comprehensive exploration of the Old Testament through the prism of diverse literary styles and scholarly interpretations. This anthology is a tapestry woven from a vast array of narratives, analytical commentaries, and historical accounts that span centuries of theological thought. The collection encapsulates a rich diversity of perspectives, blending ancient insights with modern scholarship. Without singling out individual autho...

In the anthology *Arguments of Celsus, Porphyry, and the Emperor Julian, Against the Christians*, readers are thrust into the fervent ideological debates of the ancient world, rich with the clashing perspectives that defined early Christian and pagan dialogues. This collection serves as an intellectual tapestry showcasing a range of literary styles from rigorous rhetorical treatises to impassioned polemics, reflecting the heated exchanges of the time. Each piece stands out as a testament t...

Against the Christians: Arguments of Celsus, Porphyry and the Emperor Julian is a masterful anthology that captures the intellectual vigor and poignant contestations of early Christian thought in antiquity. The collection is a testament to the profound critiques penned by some of the sharpest minds of the classical era against the nascent Christian faith. Spanning a diverse array of literary styles, from philosophical treatises to historical narratives, the anthology brings to light the mu...

Writings Against Christians is a compelling anthology that delves into the intellectual, cultural, and religious confrontations between early Pagan philosophy and the nascent Christian movement. This rigorously assembled collection offers a profound examination of the tensions that shaped ancient thought, presenting a spectrum of rhetorical and philosophical approaches. From critiques of Christian doctrine to discourses on morality and divinity, the anthology showcases a remarkable array o...

In 'Arguments Against the Christians: Celsus, Porphyry and the Emperor Julian,' readers encounter a profound exploration of ancient critiques against early Christian doctrines through an array of philosophical and rhetorical styles. This anthology brings together the incisive works of noted critics of Christianity from the early centuries, providing a unique insight into the intellectual confrontations that shaped religious thought. The collection spans from the sophisticated polemics of C...

An entertaining and enlightening anthology of classical Greek and Roman writings on animals—and our vital relationships with themHow to Care about Animals is a fascinating menagerie of passages from classical literature about animals and the lives we share with them. Drawing on ancient writers from Aesop to Ovid, classicist and farmer M. D. Usher has gathered a healthy litter of selections that reveal some of the ways Greeks and Romans thought about everyt...

A delightful anthology of classical Greek and Roman writings celebrating country living—ranging from a philosophy of compost to hymns to the gods of agricultureWhether you farm or garden, live in the country or long to move there, or simply enjoy an occasional rural retreat, you will be delighted by this cornucopia of writings about living and working on the land, harvested from the fertile fields of ancient Greek and Roman literature. An inspiring antidote to the ...

In the fascinating anthology "Arguments of Celsus, Porphyry, and the Emperor Julian, Against the Christians," readers will encounter a unique exploration of early theological and philosophical critiques directed at Christianity during the formative years of the Roman Empire. This collection deftly assembles a spectrum of literary styles that range from philosophical discourse to historical documentation. It highlights the intellectual rigor and diverse literary strategies that these thinke...