Within these four stereotypes as outlined by Eusebius we can see the backdrop against which the church father constructs his model of church leadership, and why he thought the way he did. His Christians are not stupid or naïve, but are instead the intellectuals of the highest caliber. His Christianity is not an inferior philosophy, but Eusebius would in fact count it above all others as being the one true philosophy by which one can and should live one’s life. The Christian clergy would be free to move in the same sphere as the non-Christian intellectual elite and would be given the respect he believes they ought to be afforded.
Origen was heralded among the Greeks themselves as a great philosopher. Eusebius would have this return to be the societal norm. Moreover, Eusebius would see the non-Christian elite come to the learned Priest for education not only in the divine matters but so too those of outside philosophy. This point is confirmed by Eusebius’ quote from the non-Christian philosopher Porphyry. Origen and those in the bishopric network around him are Christian leaders that the intellectual elite can respect. They, the Bishop, the cleric, are the intellectual elite. This is what fits Eusebius’ idea of Christians inheriting the traditional values that he himself …show more content…
In the Fourth we can see Eusebius’ emphasis upon unity within the church, its community, and his whitewashing of internal disputes, which may be a response to the outside perceptions of Christian inability to unite and agree upon anything. Celsus pictures Christian gatherings as nothing more than dark dens, halls of disagreement, whereas Eusebius’ synods are as shining havens and sanctuaries of harmony. Eusebius’ picture of the church can do nothing less than exude a unity of purpose and faith above
Origen was heralded among the Greeks themselves as a great philosopher. Eusebius would have this return to be the societal norm. Moreover, Eusebius would see the non-Christian elite come to the learned Priest for education not only in the divine matters but so too those of outside philosophy. This point is confirmed by Eusebius’ quote from the non-Christian philosopher Porphyry. Origen and those in the bishopric network around him are Christian leaders that the intellectual elite can respect. They, the Bishop, the cleric, are the intellectual elite. This is what fits Eusebius’ idea of Christians inheriting the traditional values that he himself …show more content…
In the Fourth we can see Eusebius’ emphasis upon unity within the church, its community, and his whitewashing of internal disputes, which may be a response to the outside perceptions of Christian inability to unite and agree upon anything. Celsus pictures Christian gatherings as nothing more than dark dens, halls of disagreement, whereas Eusebius’ synods are as shining havens and sanctuaries of harmony. Eusebius’ picture of the church can do nothing less than exude a unity of purpose and faith above