Freethought & Rationalism Archive

BH · 04-05-2011, 07:48 AM

Many early Christian writers stated Philip was a Christian believer, although if he was one he compromised his faith to hold office in Roman government.

It is said a bishop would not let him in a church unless he confessed his sins. Also, when he celebrated Rome's millenial games he did not join the sacrifices to pagan gods.

What do you all have to share or think about it?

avi · 04-05-2011, 08:16 AM

I am very sorry to acknowledge having no knowledge whatsoever, of this Philip character. I just barely comprehend the Paul character, and now you spring a Philip upon me......

Could you perhaps furnish just the tiniest hint of his full name, so that I could inquire from a search engine what he is about?

avi

Toto · 04-05-2011, 09:02 AM

Philip_the_Arab

Quote:

Among early Christian writers Philip had the reputation of being sympathetic to the Christian faith. It was even claimed that he converted to Christianity, becoming the first Christian emperor, but this is disputed.

Eusebius identified Philip as the first Christian emperor, but no pagan sources agree, and he followed the state religion. (Eusebius is not considered to be a reliable source by many on this forum.)

Philip_the_Arab_and_Christianity

Quote:

The most important section of Eusebius' Historia on Philip's religious beliefs describes the emperor's visit to a church on Easter Eve when he was denied entry by the presiding bishop until he confessed his sins. The account is paralleled by Chrysostom's homily, which celebrates Saint Babylas, Bishop of Antioch, for denying a sinful emperor entry to his church; and quotations of Leontius in the Chronicon Paschale which describe Philip seeking penitence from Babylas for the sin of murdering his predecessor. Given the parallels between the accounts, most scholars believe that Eusebius, Chrysostom, and Leontius are referring to the same event (or legend).

With the growth of scholarly criticism in the 17th and 18th centuries, fewer historians believed Philip to be a Christian. Historians had become increasingly aware of secular texts, which did not describe Philip as a Christian—and which, indeed, recorded him participating as pontifex maximus (chief priest) over the millennial Secular Games in 248. Modern scholars are divided on the issue. Some, like Hans Pohlsander and Ernst Stein, argue that the ecclesiastic narratives are ambiguous, based on oral rumor, and do not vouch for a Christian Philip; others, like John York, Irfan Shahîd, and Warwick Ball, argue that the ecclesiastic narratives are clear and dependable enough that Philip can be described as a Christian; still others, like Glen Bowersock, argue that the sources are strong enough to describe Philip as a man interested in and sympathetic to Christianity, but not strong enough to call him a Christian.

The last wikipedia article has a thorough discussion of sources.

avi · 04-05-2011, 10:55 AM

Thank you very much, Toto. Excellent job, as always....

avi

04-05-2011, 07:48 AM	#1
BH Talk Freethought Staff Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: United States Posts: 2,285	Emperor Phillip of Rome Many early Christian writers stated Philip was a Christian believer, although if he was one he compromised his faith to hold office in Roman government. It is said a bishop would not let him in a church unless he confessed his sins. Also, when he celebrated Rome's millenial games he did not join the sacrifices to pagan gods. What do you all have to share or think about it?

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04-05-2011, 08:16 AM	#2
avi Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Location: eastern North America Posts: 1,468	I am very sorry to acknowledge having no knowledge whatsoever, of this Philip character. I just barely comprehend the Paul character, and now you spring a Philip upon me...... Could you perhaps furnish just the tiniest hint of his full name, so that I could inquire from a search engine what he is about? avi

04-05-2011, 10:55 AM	#4
avi Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Location: eastern North America Posts: 1,468	Thank you very much, Toto. Excellent job, as always.... avi

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