Research Paper On Justin Martyr

As defined in Merriam-Webster dictionary a martyr is a person who suffers greatly or dies rather than give up his or her religion or principles. Martyr comes from the Greek word, mártys, which means “Witness” or “Testimony”. Originally the word Martyr applied to the Apostles. Soon after that it was used to talk about the people who faced destitution if life. Ultimately it was used to talk about the people who had been killed for their faith. One of the many million martyrs is Saint Justin also known as Justin Martyr. He was venerated in the Roman Catholic Church. Justin Martyr was born in the Roman city of Flavia Neapolis (today Nablus) in A.D. 100. He was born to Pagan parents. He converted to Christianity around A.D. 130. While growing up St. Justin learnt about Stoicism, Pythagoreanism, and Platonism. Other than being a Martyr, he was also a Philosopher and Apologist. He argued that pagan philosophy is not entirely wrong but is a partial understanding of the truth and serves as a “schoolmaster to bring us to Christ”. St. Justin opened up his own school. Shortly after that he debated against the Cynic Philosopher Crescens. Righter after that St. Justin was arrested for practicing an unauthorized religion. The Prefect, Rusticus asked him to denounce his faith but St. Justin refused to reject Christianity. As a result of that, St. Justin was beheaded. He was not …show more content…
Justin’s writings, three of them have been reserved. His First Apology, Second Apology, and Dialogue With Trypho the Jew. The First Apology is addressed to Antoninus Pius, and the Roman senate. The Second Apology was addressed to the Roman Senate. In the First Apology he argues against the persecution of people simply for being Christians and following Christian faith. He also writes about the different Christian practices in detail and at the same time defending the philosophy of Christianity. St. Justin writes the Dialogue to show that there is a New Law for men and that is