What was it that convinced early Romans and Greeks to convert?

[Kameaux]

Are there any surviving writings that go into detail about the specific reasons that inspired people from classical antiquity to convert to Christianity, in contrast with remaining, for instance, Platonists? It always surprises me that a civilisation with predominantly ideologies based on reason and logic could suddenly switch to a predominantly faith-based religion. Platonism, for instance, has always gone to extreme lengths to completely lay down all the arguments in favour or against a certain ideological position, and when studying the history of Christianity it feels like i've missed certain writings of early converts that fully explain their new-found conviction in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

 

[ArmyMatt]

read St Justin Martyr, especially his dialogue with Trypho

 

[HTacianas]

Are there any surviving writings that go into detail about the specific reasons that inspired people from classical antiquity to convert to Christianity, in contrast with remaining, for instance, Platonists? It always surprises me that a civilisation with predominantly ideologies based on reason and logic could suddenly switch to a predominantly faith-based religion. Platonism, for instance, has always gone to extreme lengths to completely lay down all the arguments in favour or against a certain ideological position, and when studying the history of Christianity it feels like i've missed certain writings of early converts that fully explain their new-found conviction in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

In the end, they converted because God called them. The manner in which they were called and convinced varies. Paul reasoned with the men of Athens in Acts 17. There are writings of the Church fathers that compare and contrast Christianity with Greek philosophy.

 

[YCGP]

The NLT of Acts 17 is incredible, mainly the part where Paul preaches to the Athenians. Some were contemptuous and showed it, as if their ideas of golden dirties were more sophisticated and truthful, and at the same time many followed Paul, both prominent women and God-fearing men.

It’s interesting to note that Paul says he noticed the idols and their shrines throughout Athens and could see the Greeks were religious, and indeed one sign read, “to an Unknown God”. Paul told the people that this unknown power they were worshipping was indeed Yahweh who created all nations through his Son Jesus.
He also mentions how God foresaw and planned the rise and fall of every nation and its boundaries… Greece had recently fallen to the Romans… sensitive subject. Though my father informs me that it takes many many years for a nation or people to see that they are no longer a World power or high authority. Perhaps the reaction of the people to Paul’s assertion of God was easily misinterpreted by those who look back on it but the bible is clear that many joined Paul even though they were now apparently opposing their new ruler Caesar.

What could have made them convert? Uncertainty in new times mixed with preformed notions of a God they saw as unknown. No wonder we still doubt the Lord at times… we are in the same position but ultimately we have been given the privilege of faith. It is not a right it is a privilege and I am hereby stating my gratitude for the privilege of the Lord my God.

My real name has been revealed to me and it is Ravel. Wonderful.
Peace and love. +++

 

[Lukaris]

The Apostles, mostly Paul of course, spread the Gospel to the Gentiles but others had seen or spoken to the Lord Himself. Probably there were more than recorded in the Gospels but we definitely know of the faithful centurion ( Matthew 8:5-13 etc.), Greeks ( John 12:19-26), the demon possessed man ( Mark 5:1-20 etc.), the Syro-Phonecian woman ( Mark 7:24-30 etc.). There were also God fearing Gentiles like Cornelius ( Acts of the Apostles 10).

 

[truefiction1]

Are there any surviving writings that go into detail about the specific reasons that inspired people from classical antiquity to convert to Christianity, in contrast with remaining, for instance, Platonists? It always surprises me that a civilisation with predominantly ideologies based on reason and logic could suddenly switch to a predominantly faith-based religion. Platonism, for instance, has always gone to extreme lengths to completely lay down all the arguments in favour or against a certain ideological position, and when studying the history of Christianity it feels like i've missed certain writings of early converts that fully explain their new-found conviction in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

It's not a what, it's a Who. The Holy Spirit converted them along with the power of the Word, Who both came to them through the preaching of the Gospel by Christ, and then the Apostles who received power from on high (Holy Spirit) to spread the Gospel.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Coffee hour.

I kid…

 

[prodromos]

Coffee hour.

I kid…

I was going to say! They already had baklava

 

[Mary of Bethany]

Pagans weren’t used to hearing about a God Who loves them. Their gods were to be feared and placated. Women and slaves in those societies would be especially drawn toward the Gospel message.

 

[buzuxi02]

There were many reasons. The empire itself eventually adopted Christianity so that helped.
It was certainly a preferable religion for most women and slaves and even those in the lowest rung of the socio-economic ladder.
Many of the early Christian teachers were actually great in advanced philosophy, apologetics, and at same time to explain things to the more ordinary folks (Gregory of Nyssa, Basil the Great, Gregory Nazianzen, Maximus the Confessor etc).

The people were also able to listen to and even read scripture if they were literate. One unusual thing about the Greek pagan religions is it had no scripture. So things were always fuzzy on the details, hence why so many competing philosophical schools. Greek mythology was never considered a divinely inspired scripture in ancient Greek religion, more like a hypothesis you can borrow from. So exactly how these gods operated in the world was never definite.

 

[ArmyMatt]

One unusual thing about the Greek pagan religions is it had no scripture. So things were always fuzzy on the details, hence why so many competing philosophical schools. Greek mythology was never considered a divinely inspired scripture in ancient Greek religion, more like a hypothesis you can borrow from. So exactly how these gods operated in the world was never definite.

interesting point.