Modern Altars to the Unknown God

By: Mike Mazzalongo     Posted: Tue. Apr 7th
Discussion Questions
  1. Why do you think the Athenians built altars to "unknown gods," and how did this reveal their understanding of religion?
  2. What parallels can you identify between ancient idol worship and modern devotion to work, pleasure, or self?
  3. How can Christians today imitate Paul's approach in Athens–using cultural familiarity to introduce the knowledge of the true God?
Sources
  • AI Research & Composition: Generated in collaboration with ChatGPT (GPT-5), "The Altar to the Unknown God," Oct. 6 2025.
  • Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.1.4 – reference to "altars of the gods called Unknown."
  • Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers 1.110 – legend of Epimenides and the plague altars.
  • Philostratus, Life of Apollonius of Tyana 6.3 – mention of altars to unknown gods in Athens.
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