La filiazione in Giustino Martire: i cristiani

Within the framework of a series of detailed examinations of the concept of filiation in ancient times, and particularly within the context of several contributions dedicated to Justin Martyr, this article intends to point out the characteristics presented by the category of filiation applied to Christians by apologists. In relation to the pagan environment, Christian claims that they were a new génos, a new strain, must be compared to ethnic connotation of the definition of social identity in the Graeco-Roman world. With respect to Judaism, in presenting themselves as the new and true Israel, Christian claims of divine filiation aim to overcome the category of election claimed by ancient Israel. The “seminal” function of Christ as Logos serves as the pivotal point and intersection of this dual conception of filiation.