(c.100-165) Born in modern-day Palestine, Saint Justin was a pagan philosopher who converted to Christianity after being inspired by the lives of the Christians. He was one of the first great Christian apologists (“apologist” means one who gives a defense). Justin gave clear descriptions of the Church’s beliefs and liturgical worship, reflecting what is still in practice nearly two thousand years later. He opened a debate school in Rome, gaining the attention of the Empire. He also wrote to the Stoic philosopher emperor, Marcus Aurelius, defending Christianity, which led to Justin’s beheading.
Justin, one of the early martyrs of Christianity, had the courage to stand up for what is true. He also responded to a drive to bring the message to those still suffering (Step 12). Standing up for what we believe or understand to be true can be challenging. Even more so when the one you stand up to is yourself. How honest, open-minded, and willing have you been in your recovery?
“To yield and give way to our passions is the lowest slavery, even as to rule over them is the only liberty” (Justin Martyr, Fragments of the Lost Work of Justin, XVIII).