Dialogues

Theodoret of Cyrus (393–458)

Dialogue I.-The Immutable.

Orthodoxos and Eranistes.

Orth. -Better were it for us to agree and abide by the apostolic doctrine in its parity. But since, I know not how, you have broken the harmony, and are now offering us new doctrines, let us, if you please, with no kind of quarrel, investigate the truth.

Eran. -We need no investigation, for we exactly hold the truth.

Orth. -This is what every heretic supposes. Aye, even Jews and Pagans reckon that they are defending the doctrines of the truth; and so also do not only the followers of Plato and Pythagoras, but Epicureans too, and they that are wholly without God or belief. It becomes us, however, not to be the slaves of a priori assumption, but to search for the knowledge of the truth.

Eran. -I admit the force of what you say and am ready to act on your suggestion.

See also

• More works by Theodoret of Cyrus

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