# Celsus

> 2nd-century Greek philosopher

**Wikidata**: [Q315370](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q315370)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celsus)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/celsus

## Summary
Celsus was a 2nd-century Greek philosopher known for his treatise *The True Word*, which critically examined Christianity. His work remains a significant historical document in the study of early Christian thought and philosophical critique.

## Biography
- Born: Unknown
- Nationality: Greek
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Authoring *The True Word*, a critique of Christianity
- Employer(s): Unknown
- Field(s): Philosophy

## Contributions
- *The True Word* (c. 170 CE): A philosophical critique of Christianity, analyzing its doctrines and practices. The work is preserved in fragments and is considered a key text in the study of early Christian thought.

## FAQs
### What is Celsus known for?
Celsus is known for his treatise *The True Word*, which provides a critical examination of Christianity. His work is a valuable historical document in the study of early Christian thought and philosophical critique.

### Where did Celsus work?
There is no information available about Celsus's employment or affiliations. His work was likely produced independently as a philosopher.

### What was Celsus's field of study?
Celsus was a philosopher, focusing on the study of truths and principles of being, schools of thought, knowledge, or conduct. His critique of Christianity reflects his engagement with philosophical inquiry.

## Why They Matter
Celsus's *The True Word* remains a significant text in the study of early Christian thought and philosophical critique. His work provides historical context for the development of Christian doctrines and challenges to them. The treatise is preserved in fragments, offering insights into the intellectual debates of the 2nd century. Celsus's critique contributes to the broader understanding of philosophical engagement with religious movements, influencing later scholars and historians.

## Notable For
- Author of *The True Word*, a critical examination of Christianity.
- A key historical document in the study of early Christian thought.
- Preserved in fragments, providing insights into 2nd-century philosophical debates.

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Celsus was a Greek philosopher active in the 2nd century. Little is known about his personal life, including his birth date, place of origin, or educational background. His work suggests a deep engagement with philosophical inquiry, particularly in critiquing religious doctrines.

### Philosophical Work
Celsus's most notable contribution is *The True Word*, a treatise that critically examines Christianity. Written around 170 CE, the work analyzes Christian doctrines and practices, offering a philosophical critique. The treatise is preserved in fragments, making it a valuable historical document in the study of early Christian thought.

### Influence and Legacy
Celsus's work remains significant in the study of early Christian thought and philosophical critique. His analysis of Christian doctrines provides historical context for the development of religious movements and challenges to them. The preserved fragments of *The True Word* offer insights into the intellectual debates of the 2nd century, influencing later scholars and historians.

### Field of Study
Celsus's work aligns with the broader study of philosophy, which encompasses the truths and principles of being, schools of thought, knowledge, or conduct. His critique of Christianity reflects his engagement with philosophical inquiry, contributing to the field's exploration of religious and doctrinal issues.

## References

1. Library of the World's Best Literature
2. BnF authorities
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index3.html)
7. Autoritats UB
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
9. Enciclopedia Treccani
10. LIBRIS. 2014
11. Treccani Philosophy
12. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
13. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands