Conclusion
Conclusion
The Ammonian Community and the Great Persecution
This book has argued that the ideas and networks of a small group of philosophers such as Porphyry of Tyre, Origen, Ammonius Saccas, Plotinus, and Iamblichus of Chalcis strongly influenced the religious and political culture of the Roman Empire in the third and early fourth centuries and led indirectly to the Great Persecution. In this concluding chapter, Porphyry's fragmentary anti-Christian works and his purpose in writing them are examined. After discussing some of the problems complicating the analysis of Porphyry's writings against Christians, the chapter turns to some of his views, including those concerning divination and rituals. It argues that Porphyry's texts led Hellene readers, especially priests and officials close to Ammonian circles, to believe that Christians were a danger to the Roman community.
Keywords: philosophers, Porphyry of Tyre, Origen, Ammonius Saccas, Plotinus, Iamblichus of Chalcis, Persecution, Christians, divination, rituals
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