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| Chapter XV.—The Innocence of the Christians Defended.
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Consider, therefore, whether those who teach such
things can possibly live indifferently, and be commingled in unlawful
intercourse, or, most impious of all, eat human flesh, especially when
we are forbidden so much as to witness shows of gladiators, lest we
become partakers and abettors of murders. But neither may we see the
other spectacles,670
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theatres. [N.B.—Let the easy Christians of our age be reminded of
this warning; frequenting, as they do, plays and operas equally defiling,
impure in purport often, even when not gross in language.] |
lest our eyes and ears be defiled, participating in the utterances there
sung. For if one should speak of cannibalism, in these spectacles the
children of Thyestes and Tereus are eaten; and as for adultery, both in
the case of men and of gods, whom they celebrate in elegant language for
honours and prizes, this is made the subject of their dramas. But far be
it from Christians to conceive any such deeds; for with them temperance
dwells, self-restraint is practiced, monogamy is observed, chastity is
guarded, iniquity exterminated, sin extirpated, righteousness exercised,
law administered, worship performed, God acknowledged: truth governs,
grace guards, peace screens them; the holy word guides, wisdom teaches,
life directs, God reigns. Therefore, though we have much to say regarding
our manner of life, and the ordinances of God, the maker of all creation,
we yet consider that we have for the present reminded you of enough to
induce you to study these things, especially since you can now read
[our writings] for yourself, that as you have been fond of acquiring
information, you may still be studious in this direction also.
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