Methodology of Criticism of Egyptian and Phoenician Mythologies by Eusebius of Caesarea in the Treatise “Praeparatio evangelica”

Abstract

Criticism of Egyptian and Phoenician mythology is an important and key place in the treatise “Praeparatio evangelica”. The apologist begins his work with it, dedicating the first book of the treatise to criticism. By this, on the one hand, the apologist prepares the basis for the following books, where he criticizes ancient Greek mythology, which, as the Mediterranean was Hellenized, received the myths of ancient Egypt and Phoenicia, and on the other hand, shows the historical root of the origin of paganism. On the pages of the Eusebius’ treatise the development of pagan mythology in a temporal context is shown. With the help of quotes from ancient mythographers, the apologist demonstrates how ancient people came to the deification of natural phenomena from simply observing the sky and trying to describe the world around them. On the basis of this narrative, Eusebius divides the formation of paganism into two historical periods, or into two different theologies: the “first theology of mankind” and the “mythical theology”, which replaced the first one with the advent of myth-making and cults of deities. Tracing the path of the formation of pagan cults and myths, the author of the treatise concludes that paganism appeared due to the ancient people’s misunderstanding of such a thing as the human soul. Criticizing ancient paganism, the apologist aims to show its harmfulness, fallacy and immorality. In addition, the pagans are accused of distortion, inconsistency and illogicality of the myths. The apologist cites both classical arguments of Holy fathers the apologists and his own apologetic ideas. In particular, having inherited Theological Library of Caesarea Maritima, Eusebius actively uses quotations and excerpts from the works of ancient Egyptian and Phoenician mythologists, as well as authoritative Hellenic writers and philosophers. The arguments given by Eusebius, as well as the textual excerpts from ancient sources that have not survived to our time may be of value and relevance today, since some modern occult false teachings and esoteric practices often draw their inspiration from ancient Egyptian and Phoenician pagan mythologies.

Keywords

• eusebius of caesarea
• gospel preparation
• praeparatio evangelica
• apologetics
• mythology
• egyptians
• phoenicians
• criticism
• myth