Against Celsus 8.48

Then, I do not know how, Celsus, citing the zeal of those who contend to the death rather than forswear Christianity, adds, as though putting our teachings on a level with what is said by initiators and mystagogues: “Most of all, my good man, just as you believe in eternal punishments, so do the interpreters of those sacred rites, the initiators and mystagogues; which you threaten others with, and they threaten you with. Which of them is truer or more powerful one may consider. For in word both of you equally affirm your own views; but if proofs are needed, they show many clear ones, bringing forward works of certain demonic powers and of oracles, and from every kind of divination.” By this he means that we and the initiators speak equally of eternal punishments, and that one should examine which of us speaks more truly. I would say that those speak truly who have been able to dispose their hearers to live as though these things were so. Jews and Christians are so disposed concerning what they call the age to come and its rewards for the righteous and punishments for sinners. Let Celsus, then, or whoever wishes, show who were so disposed about eternal punishments by the initiators and mystagogues. For it is likely that the intention of the Father of what is said is not merely to discharge a duty and speak about punishments, but to dispose the hearers to avoid, as far as they can, doing what causes the punishments. Moreover, the prophecies, to those who read them not carelessly, seem to me sufficient by the foreknowledge in them to persuade the intelligent and fair-minded reader that the Spirit of God was in those men; and with them none of the demonic works displayed, nor of the powers from oracles, nor of divinations, can be compared even in the slightest.