1
Aristides begins a detailed review of Greek divine genealogies with Kronos.
2
He recalls the myth that Kronos took Rhea, fathered children, feared displacement, and consumed his offspring.
3
Zeus was hidden from him, later overcame him, mutilated him, and cast him down.
4
Aristides asks how a being captured, deceived, injured, and removed from power can be the supreme divine nature.
5
He then turns to Zeus and recounts the stories in which Zeus assumes various forms to pursue mortal women.
6
Europa, Danae, Leda, Antiope, Alkmene, Leto, Mnemosyne, and others appear in the inherited myths; children and heroes are traced from these unions.
7
The story of Ganymede is also invoked.
8
Aristides argues that when the head of a pantheon is narrated as committing acts condemned by human law, worshipers are taught contradiction rather than righteousness.
9
His conclusion is severe: divine nature cannot be defined by adultery, sexual exploitation, murder, rivalry, or deception.