On the Shows 6

To the testimony of antiquity is added the posterity that followed, which displays the form of the origin in the titles of the present time as well, by which it is marked to what idol and what superstition games of both kinds were assigned. For the Megalensian and Apollinarian games, likewise the Cerealian, Neptunalian, Latiar, and Floral games, are celebrated in common; the rest of the games have their reasons in superstition from the birthdays and anniversaries of kings, from public successes, and from municipal festivals. Among these are also the shows given by bequest, which make offerings to the memory of private persons; this too follows the ancient institution. For from the beginning games were reckoned in two kinds, sacred and funeral, that is, for the gods of the nations and for the dead. But with us it makes no difference, as regards idolatry, under what name and title it goes, so long as it comes to the same spirits whom we renounce. Whether they do it for the dead or for their gods, they do it for their dead just as for their gods; there is one condition on both sides, one idolatry, and one renunciation of ours against idolatry.