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Justin
never ended his quest for religious truth even when he converted to
Christianity after years of studying various pagan philosophies.
As a young man, he was principally attracted to the school of Plato.
However, he found that the Christian religion answered the great questions
about life and existence better than the philosophers.
Upon his conversion he continued to wear the philosopher's mantle, and
became the first Christian philosopher. He combined the Christian religion
with the best elements in Greek philosophy. In his view, philosophy was a
pedagogue of Christ, an educator that was to lead one to Christ.
Justin is known as an apologist, one who defends in writing the Christian
religion against the attacks and misunderstandings of the pagans. Two of his
so-called apologies have come down to us; they are addressed to the Roman
emperor and to the Senate.
For his staunch adherence to the Christian religion, Justin was beheaded in
Rome in around 167.
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