JbAC 67 (2024) Seiten: 67-89

In response to the violent persecutions of Christians under the tetrarchs, L. Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius wrote several works, including his Institutiones divinae, in which he dealt with the concept of justice. Christian iustitia was thereby defined as the worship of the true God (cultus dei veri), based on piety (pietas) and equity (aequitas). The concept was closely linked to mercy (misericordia), benevolence (benevolentia) and humanity or humaneness (humanitas) and often expressed through acts of charity. Against the backdrop of ancient pagan debates on the use, benefits and dangers of emotions, the apologist additionally conceded that Christians should feel compassion when performing acts of benevolence and that they should even be guided by emotions which are oriented towards the divine in their everyday activities. The present paper offers insights into Lactantius’s understanding of justice and the proper organization of fair societies as well as his critical stance towards forms and goals of the pagan Roman state in view of Constantine’s new Christian reign.