First Christian Voices: Practices of the Apostolic Fathers

Chapter 4: The Defense of the Faith

97

means of blood and fat and burnt offerings they offer sacrifices to Him and that by such honors they show Him reverence, these appear to me in no respect different from those who seriously confer the same honor on things devoid of awareness. The one gives to those unable to enjoy such honors, and the other thinking they can provide something to One who needs nothing. But I do not think that you require to learn anything from me as to their anxiety concerning food and their superstition in regards to the Sabbath, neither their boasting about circumcision and their fancies about fasting and the new moons. These things are utterly ridiculous and unworthy of mention. For how can it be lawful to accept some things which have been created by God for human use as created good and to reject others as useless and redundant? And how is it not irreverent to speak falsely of God as if He prohibited us to do what is good on the Sabbath days? And how is it not outrageous to take pride in the circumcision of the flesh as a proof of election as if they were especially beloved by God on account of it? And as for their observing of months and days as if waiting upon the distribution of the stars and the moon according to their own tendencies and the fluctuations of the seasons appointed by God, making some for festivities and others for mourning, who would deem this a part of divine worship rather than an expression of folly? I suppose, then, you are sufficiently convinced that it is proper for the Christians to refrain from the futility and error common to the Jews, as well as from their nosey ways and silly boasting.