The Ancient Witnesses

102 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

“The terms of this view is quite clear,” said Mentor, “including the power of thought, choosing truth, and doing right. Man is born rational—he can reason within himself—and contemplative—he can reflect on the accuracy of his thinking and his beliefs. In sum, he can think for himself and he is free to choose the good.” “There is something more,” said Justin Martyr. Mentor nodded. “In my day,” added the apologist,” pagans believed that humans could only do evil because they had been created by an evil god. I wrote my Apology to defend the intelligence and morality of my fellow believers who were being wrongly persecuted.” 34 “And from that work, we have all benefited” said Mentor. The witnesses answered with a resounding “amen.” The Origin of Sin “We have examined the creation and constitution of humankind,” said Mentor. “Now we must consider the origin of human sin in the light of the mystery of iniquity already described, and the response of our earthly parents.” “Earthly parents?” Preacher asked Father Greg. “He means Adam and Eve,” said the priest quietly, “we’re going to hear about the Fall of Man in Genesis 3.” Mentor now invited two familiar witnesses back to the lectern to testify, and a third we had not met. Ambrose of Milan, gave a brief opening statement: 34 Justin Martyr wrote the Roman Emperor to offer “an unexceptional account of their (the Christian) life and doctrine” ( First Apology , III. ANF 1, 163).