Of the early Fathers, Lactantius has the most detailed attack on Epicurean philosophy. However Clement, Theophilus,Tertullian and Tatian also attack Epicurus on a smaller scale in their works.
Philo of Alexandra, does not explicitly attack Epicurus other than to say that those who proclaim that there is no providence and those who worship the creation rather than the creator err in their doctrines.
Plotinus mentions Epicurus only once during his attack on the Gnostics.
Great list, and if you get time to post the references like you did for Lactantius, please do!
“Creation.II
II. (7) For some men, admiring the world itself rather than the Creator of the world, have represented it as existing without any maker, and eternal; and as impiously as falsely have represented God as existing in a state of complete inactivity, while it would have been right on the other hand to marvel at the might of God as the creator and father of all, and to admire the world in a degree not exceeding the bounds of moderation.”
Excerpt From
The Works of Philo Judaeus
Philo Judaeus
LD that reminds me that we ought to set up a thread for references in the New Testament that appear to be related to Epicurus. DeWitt has already done the work for us in "St Paul and Epicurus" but most people don't take the time to read that. Suggestion for best way to title and set up that thread?
Title: Epicurus and Epicurean Philosophy Referenced in the New Testament
That could be the catch all title.
OK very good -- I will move all the "Comparison" threads to a new category so they will all be together.
LD are you suggesting that title for THIS thread, or for a separate thread. Might be something to combine into one. I have moved most all of the comparison topics to this category so what do you think? Two subcategories, or one? Comparing Epicurean Philosophy With Opposing Philosophies and Religions
One main category is good! Just like you have it now.
That way you can keep religion and philosophy under the same heading.
