Simon Magus and Menander were known as magicians, so I'd be interested if there is evidence that they considered themselves Christians without also knowing anything about a Jesus. According to my 'head canon', one of the reasons early Christianity grew was that it appealed to pagans who wanted to use magical items and incantations to ward off evil spirits, and early Christianity provided a source for that. But I suspect you mean "they didn't believe orthodox stories of Jesus" when you write "stories of Jesus"?GakuseiDon wrote: I know what you stated, but I just don't see it supported in the quote you gave from Justin Martyr that "Simon, Menander and Marcion were called Christian even though they did not believe stories of Jesus." Maybe you mean they didn't believe the later orthodox view of Jesus?
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Now, you have forgotten what is found in Justin's First Apology.
Simon Magus, a magician, claimed he himself was God and those who followed him were called Christians.
Justin's First Apology
The Samaritans who worshiped Simon Magus as the first God were called Christians since the time of Claudius based on Justin.And almost all the Samaritans, and a few even of other nations, worship him, and acknowledge him as the first god...
Menander also a magician who claimed those who believe in him would never die. His followers were called Christians.
[Justin's First Apology
Marcion preached another God greater than the Creator and also another son still his followers were called Christians.He persuaded those who adhered to him that they should never die