2nd–3rd centuries

Truth among the Pagans: The Seminal Logos, Natural Law and Philosophy as Tutor

The apologists had to explain where the truth and goodness found in paganism came from. Justin connected it with the eternal Logos: the "seed of reason" enabled Socrates and others to glimpse dimly what was clearly revealed in Jesus. Tertullian used the idea of a natural law known to all nations, while the most widespread explanation, according to Pelikan, was that the philosophers had borrowed the truth from Moses and the prophets. Clement of Alexandria held that philosophy prepared the Greeks for Christ as the Law prepared the Jews.