Jumpstarter 5 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion

Question 5

When told to shout “Away with the atheist,” Polycarp gestures to the crowd and says it toward them while “gazing intently toward heaven”—what does that reversal communicate about who the real “atheist” is in Polycarp’s mind, and how does it challenge modern definitions of atheism that focus mainly on stated beliefs rather than lived allegiance?

Another way to ask: Polycarp tells the crowd “Away with the atheist,” meaning them, while looking toward heaven. What does that say he thinks a real atheist is, and how does that challenge today’s idea that atheism is only about what someone claims to believe?

Direct Answer Polycarp’s reversal suggests he considers the crowd to be the true “atheists” because their allegiance and worship are not directed to the true God, even if they are religious. It challenges definitions of atheism that focus only on labels, because the scene frames “atheism” as a matter of lived orientation—where one’s eyes and loyalty are.

Support from Transcript:

The proconsul commands: “simply shout away with the atheist.”
Polycarp responds by turning “toward the hate-filled crowd,” then “Gazing intently toward heaven,” he shouted, “Away with the atheist!”
The transcript explains Romans called Christians atheists due to “no temples or images,” showing the accusation is superficial.
Polycarp’s physical posture (toward heaven) contrasts with the crowd’s posture (bloodthirsty, demanding death).
His later words clarify allegiance: “I declare without shame that I am a Christian,” refusing Caesar worship.

Discussion Follow-ups How does Polycarp’s action redefine what it means to “have a god”? In what ways can someone be outwardly religious yet functionally “atheist” in allegiance?

Jumpstarter 5 of 10

Add your phone number?

Thank you!

Jumpstarter 5 of 10