Possible parallels between Nietzsche and Celsus: sedition and resentment

Sedição e ressentimento

Abstract

The extent to which Celsus's invectives, reconciling philosophical monotheism with the political polytheism of philosophy and the State, can be reconciled with his critiques of Christianity in its moral aspect, is one of the goals of this investigation. Celsus's entire effort against the sedition that involves the politics and culture of the essence of Christianity, the revolt against the very essence of Christianity, approaches the problem of resentment that emerges from Nietzsche's analysis of Christianity as a counterforce—that is, feelings of revenge and hatred. The revolt of actions against the laws of the State resembles resentment in Nietzsche. For this reason, Celsus's critiques of Christianity are updated in Nietzsche. They consist of critiques of the relationship between Church and State, specifically the Church's tendency to impose itself on matters relating to the State. Therefore, in both authors, it is a critique of subversive Christianity, of imposing itself on the State. And, from this critique of Christianity on the State, a vision of resentment can be inferred, due to the inability to interpose forces capable of overcoming it.