Rahel Schär: Consultationes Zacchei christiani et Apollonii philosophi: A Literary Dialogue Arguing for Monasticism

Written as a dialogue between a Christian and a philosopher discussing the content and legitimacy of proper Christian doctrine, the Consultationes Zacchei christiani et Apollonii philosophi has often been considered an apologetic work against Judaism, paganism, and heretical beliefs. However, in the third book, in which the dialogue partners discuss different Christian lifestyles, the anonymous author not only argues for Christianity in comparison to other faiths but also for certain monastic ways of living in comparison to other Christian lifestyles. The present paper clarifies how the author promotes these lifestyles and it analyses the lifestyles the dialogue approves. This perspective on the Consultationes generates new insights about the author and their audience as well as the place of composition.