Schär, RahelRahelSchär0000-0002-2240-18202024-10-092024-10-092021https://boris-portal.unibe.ch/handle/20.500.12422/67377Written 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 article clarifies how the author promotes these lifestyles and it analyses the lifestyles the dialogue approves. This perspective on the Consultationes generates new insights about their author and audience as well as about their place of composition.en200 - Religion::210 - Philosophy & theory of religion200 - Religion::240 - Christian practice & observance200 - Religion::250 - Christian pastoral practice & religious orders200 - Religion::270 - History of Christianity900 - History900 - History::930 - History of ancient world (to ca. 499)article10.48350/165403