Saint Justin Martyr Philosopher – 1 June – Story & Sacred Art Iconography
Saint Justin Philosopher. An early day Christian philosopher. Born in modern day Palestine. One of the first greatest apologists of Christianity. Martyr and patron saint of public speakers and philosophers. .
Iostinos, also known as Justin (Justin Martyr and Justin the Philosopher), was born around 100 AD in modern day Palestine. He was an early day Christian apologist and philosopher.
He was 30 when he converted to Christianity after reading the Holy Scriptures and witnessing the heroism and faith of the martyrs. He used his philosophical and oratorical skills to publicly argue with pagans and explain his new faith. He was one of the first greatest apologists of Christianity.
Later in his life he opened a school of public debate in Rome.
Most of his works are lost, survived only two or three documents that he wrote. His First Apology, his most famous text, passionately defends the morality of the Christian life and makes various ethical and philosophical arguments to persuade the Roman Emperor Antoninus to abandon his persecution of the Church.
One of Iostinos’ philosophical views was regarding the “Logos” (the Word) that preceded Christianity. Since many Greek philosophers based their views on the Word as a foundation for the being, Iostinos used this to to argue that many of the historical Greek philosophers (including Socrates and Plato) in whose works he was well studied were ignorant Christians.
He was martyred by beheading in 165. Today he is the patron saint of apologists, lecturers, orators, speakers, philosophers.
Iconography symbols of Saint Justin Philosopher/Martyr in sacred art are an ax, a pen, a sword, a book
