Expert: Michael Clark, Ph.D. - 6/15/2007

Question
Dear, Dr. Clark,
               This is a passage from St. Justin martyr's dialogue with Trypho the Jew: Then I replied, “I shall attempt to persuade you, since you have understood the Scriptures, [of the truth] of what I say, that there is, and that there is said to be, another God and Lord subject to the Maker of all things; who is also called an Angel, because He announces to men whatsoever the Maker of all things—above whom there is no other God—wishes to announce to them.” Chapter 56. My question is what did St. Justin mean by this? Is he saying that there is more than one god? I don't see how this could be the case since we have always believed in only one God.
                                Sincerely,
                                         Richard.

Answer
It's useful to look at the background and intentions of Justin on this point. But first, yes, he does posit some kind of 'subordination' of the Logos, as it's called. He seems to say that God manifests in a finite way at certain points throughout Old Testament history. But this manifestation is somehow not as complete as the unknowable, eternal God.

Why does he say this? Well, first of all, he was a convert from a non-Jewish family. So he has pagan philosophical roots--specifically that of Platonism, which posits eternal 'forms' and their expression in a limited, changing world of 'becoming.' Thus it's argued that his past interests influence his later interpretation of the Christian revelation.

It also seems that he wants to calibrate or adjust the Christian message to try to connect with his audience; that is, he believes he can be more effective in converting people if he tries to talk in their terms, at their 'place' or level of belief.

Justin's philosophy/theology of the Logos has been variously interpreted. And his approach has been criticized as 'confused,' although his intentions and witness to Christ are generally respected. So you do well to bring this point out. Many others have.

For more details visit these links, which you should find helpful:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09328a.htm

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08580c.htm

If you scroll down (in the immediately above link) to

Theology >> The Logos

you'll find this quotation:

It is, of course, to Christian revelation that Justin owes his concept of the distinct personality of the Word, His Divinity and Incarnation; but philosophic speculation is responsible for his unfortunate concepts of the temporal and voluntary generation of the Word, and for the subordinationism of Justin's theology. It must be recognized, moreover, that the latter ideas stand out more boldly in the "Apology" than in the "Dialogue."

See also:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Martyr

I hope this helps!