St Justin, Martyr

– 165 AD
St Justin was born to pagan Greek parents in Nablus in Samaria.
He was a seeker of truth and studied many systems of philosophy until he found his way to Christianity through Platonism.
He remained a layman but felt a call to spread the truth of Christianity and travelled in many places with this in mind.
In 161 he went to Rome where he opened a school of philosophy.
He wrote many works in defence of Christianity some of which remain to this very day.
He was beheaded for his faith in 165.

He believed that there was much truth in Greek Philosophy. God reveals his truth everywhere.
He saw the different philosophies as incomplete. Christ fulfils them all.
God loves all people and desires to reveal himself to all.
Our deepest human desires seek God and ultimately only God can fulfil the restlessness within.

Dialogue and patient accompanying of people are certainly much more respectful than denying or ignoring the good that is already there.
Intelligent, thoughtful, culturally sensitive, explanation of our faith is as important now as it was in Justin‘s time.
Taking time to patiently walk with people can help them experience the God who is.