Author:
Tertullian (c. 160-230 C.E.) – Christian author from Carthage in Rome,
influenced by Stoic philosophy, the
first Christian author to produce an extensive corpus of Latin Christian literature, a notable Christian apologist,
Tertullian has been called "the father of Latin Christianity" and "the founder of Western
theology”
Date/Context: Carthage
was an early center for Christianity. While at first scarce in number,
Christians soon populated Carthage quite heavily. This obviously impacted
Tertullian a great deal. In 197 C.E., Tertullian wrote that Christians “have
filled every place among you —cities, islands, fortresses, towns,
market-places, the very camp, tribes, companies, palaces, senate, forum; we
have left nothing to you but the temples of your gods”.
Summary:
Addressing the magistrates of the Roman Empire, Tertullian attempts to clarify
as well as defend Christianity from pagan misconception. Appealing to the power
of the magistrates, he pleads for them to understand the truths of Christianity
as he perceives them before they pass a judgment. He notes that it would not be
fair to judge Christianity without first learning about it. Tertullian believes
that the misconceptions and the demeaning of Christianity is largely due to
ignorance of the religion. He also mentions that Christians are not allowed to
say anything that would clear their name of a crime, whereas a non-Christian is
given the benefit of the doubt. Tertullian tells the magistrates that
Christians pray for them and for the emperors. Most importantly, however, he
says that although maltreated, Christians pray for Rome and the continuance of
the empire.
Key Quotations:
“Truth makes no
appeal on her own behalf, because she does not wonder at her present condition”
“Men remain in ignorance as long as they hate, and they hate
as long as they remain in ignorance”
Excellent insight into the early years of Christianity.
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