Passing of Peregrinus - Relationship Between Cynics and Christians

Relationship Between Cynics and Christians

Three Christian writers wrote about Peregrinus after his death.

Tertullian remarks that while Peregrinus had died a pagan, his willingness to suffer was an example to Christians.

Tatian, a Greek apologist, is heavily critical of Peregrinus and other Cynics. He writes:

“They say they want nothing, yet like Proteus, they need a currier for their wallet, and a weaver for their mantle, and a woodcutter for their staff, and the rich, and a cook also for their gluttony.”

Tatian describes a state of war between Cynics, in whose lot he includes Peregrinus, and Christians. In fact Crescens, who had brought charges against the apologist Justin Martyr, was a Cynic.

Athenagoras mocks Peregrinus’s death as well as the attention it received and insinuates that he should not be considered a martyr. He also describes a statue of Peregrinus built in Greece that supposedly has oracular powers. He argues that these powers must not come from Peregrinus.

Stephen Benko argues that Peregrinus and other Cynics presented an image of ascetecism that was ultimately incorporated into Christian monasticism. Cynics were supposed to live with few possessions, have little worldly ambition, and were forced to endure severe training or “Askesis.” Benko compares this training to that undergone by monks in the Egyptian desert.