When people are challenged to participate in other mysteries, the
proclamation is issued to “anyone who has pure hands and something wise
to say!” or to “anyone who is free of all guilt, whose soul is not
conscious of any evil, and who has lived a noble and just life!” Such is
the propaganda of those who promise deliverance from sin.
Hear now what sort of people these [Christians] invite: “Everyone who is
a sinner, who is foolish, who is simple” - in a word, everyone who is an
unhappy wretch - “such a one the kingdom of God will receive.” You should
realize that a sinner is an unjust man, a thief, burglar, poisoner, a
desecrator of temples, and a grave-robber! If one wanted to call together
a band of robbers, these would be just the ones to invite.
The Christians make this offer, “Let no well-educated, wise, or great
person come to us - such we consider bad. But if anyone is uneducated,
foolish, and ignorant, let him take courage and come!” By maintaining
that such people are of themselves worthy of their God, they prove that
they desire and are able to win only the simple, the lowly, the foolish,
the slaves, old women, and little children.
They say, “God has been sent to sinners.” What does that mean? Is he not
sent to those who are free from sin? What does evildoing consist in then?
In not having sinned, perhaps? If someone speaks out a sin and humbles
himself, conscious of his wickedness, God will accept him!
Celsus against the Christians, in Origen, Against Celsus III.44, 59-62.
Mary wrote:
> It is good to be lowly in heart, to hate evil,
> And, above all, to love one’s neighbor as oneself,
> To love God with all one’s soul and to serve him.
> For this we shall be called “brothers,” who stem
> from the holy race
> Of the Messiah in heaven. In our meetings for worship
> We remember the joy; we tread the paths of godliness
> and truth.
> Never may we approach the inner shrines of the temples,
> Or make offerings to idols, or honor them with vows
> And the delightful fragrance of flowers and the gleam
> of torches,
> Or adorn [them] with splendid gifts and oblations,
> Nor may we light the altar with flames and the perfume
> of incense,
> Nor when sacrificing a bull may we send with the libation
> The blood of a sacrificed sheep, as a ransom
> for earthly punishment,
> Nor may we pollute the purity of the ether with the oily smoke
> Of flesh-consuming pyres and abominable smells.
> But let us be glad with a holy mind and understanding,
> With joyful hearts, with abundant gifts of love,
> And mild and generous hands. With gracious psalms and songs
> Worthy of our God, we are urged and impelled
> To sing to thee, the everlasting, ever-faithful God:
> The father of all, the all-knowing God.
>
> Sibylline Oracles Book VIII.480-500.
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