Greek Literature and Christian Doctrine in Early Christianity: A Difficult Co-Existence

This paper traces the complex relationship between classical literature and Christian doctrine in first four centuries. In earliest period of Christianity, we can identify two attitudes Christians towards Greek literature: hostile attitude shown by Tatian, Theophilus, Tertullian, openness to culture philosophy demonstrated Justin Martyr, Athenagoras Athens, Minucius Felix. A notable change happened Alexandrian milieu when Clement Alexandria Origen started considering classics embodiment an authentic spirit. keeping with Origen, Basil Caesarea realized a good synthesis thought faith. Noting germs divine revelation ancient thought, authors took tools Greco-Roman criticism develop their doctrine.