Tatian and Basil: Differing Views Regarding the Pagan Educational System of Antiquity

Abstract

Advanced education for Christians of antiquity was only available through schools which used classical Greek methodology. This included literature, poetry, and philosophy closely tied to polytheistic and pagan traditions. Christian families and leaders at that time had to consider the spiritual implications of participating in such a system. This article contrasts the opinion of Tatian with that of Basil of Caesarea regarding Christian participation in pagan education. Basil and Tatian had similar ascetic views, yet they differed on this issue. Tatian believed Christians should not take part in pagan education. Basil believed that Christians could benefit spiritually from this education if they experienced it selectively and wisely. It is concluded that Basil’s view is the wiser choice. Introduction Stories of Christian young people having their faith challenged at university (or before) abound in our day. For this reason, many parents and other spiritual leaders wrestle with how to counsel their children and other students in regard to higher education. This problem is not new, however. I will explore a similar conundrum that was faced by Christians in antiquity. The only opportunity for advanced education during the first few centuries of Christianity was schooling in the classical Greek tradition. This included quite a bit of pagan and polytheistic material. Not all Christians agreed on whether or not to partake in this form of education. Tatian of Assyria expressed his negative ideas about pagan education in Oratio Ad Graecos. On the other hand, Basil of Caesarea wrote one of the most important treatises on the positive aspects of pagan education for Christians, Ad Adulescentes. The purpose of this article is to compare Tatian’s view with that of Basil, simultaneously comparing the reasons behind each view as well as potential outcomes of each, to demonstrate that Basil’s generally represents the better course of action. This is accomplished by comparing relevant passages in Oratio Ad Graecos with Ad Adulescentes; while pointing out the importance of the positive arguments in the latter. Background of the problem For ancient Christians, advanced education could only be obtained by paying to attend pagan schools. This type of education was necessary for those seeking high-level careers in politics or advancement in the military (Schlager, 1991, p. 38). In addition, Christians needed this formal training to engage in apologetics and theology (Weltin, 1987, p. 13). Therefore, families with means who wanted their sons to be educated had to send them to schools that essentially espoused false gods. This was not a small problem for Christians in antiquity. Dimitris Alexandrakas describes it, “Christians were caught in a cultural dilemma. From one side, classical education, logic, human philosophy, and polytheism; from the other, Christian learning, faith, divine philosophy, and the true God” (Alexandrakas, 1994, p. 287). Furthermore, the problem persisted until the seventh century when a Christian culture based on the Bible became dominant (Liebeschuetz, 1995, p. 193). Roy J. Deferrari and M. R. P. McGuire in translating Basil (1934) declare that “...no one of the Fathers has expressed himself as opposed without compromise to pagan literature in its entirety” (p. 368). Bakke (2005) asserts that with two exceptions all the leading theologians from the second through the fifth centuries who discuss this matter held that the Greek classical literature (and by extension the classical education) was valuable to Christians (p. 212). Of course, this only represents opinions for Tatian and Basil: Differing views regarding the pagan educational system of antiquity Scott A. Rhodes The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY, United States of America scott@brazosmeadows.org TEACHR TEACH Journal 13-1.indd 46 17/10/19 3:21 pm 46 | TEACH | v13 n1 v13 n1 | TEACH | 47 Research & Scholarship ” “Tatian indicates that he received a classical Greek education ... which lends credit to his opinion of the Greek ideas he criticizes. which we have records. Therefore, families who looked to church leaders for opinions on this matter might hear somewhat different opinions. According to Bakke (2005), the opinions of the early church fathers regarding the classical system of education fit into three basic positions. First, Christians should withdraw completely from the classical education. Second, while there might be spiritual dangers inherent in this education it is necessary, and Christians should participate, cautiously. Third, this education is a positive experience (p. 203). Tatian will first be examined as a representative of the view against the classical educational system and then Basil as a representative in favor of it.