Tertullian

Question 1

Who was Tertullian, and what is notable about his early life?

Answer 1

Tertullian was a Christian apologist and theologian in the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries AD, known for being well-educated in law and rhetoric. Born in Carthage to a Roman centurion around 155-160 AD, he converted to Christianity in adulthood.

Question 2

What is “Apologeticus,” [The Apology] and why is it significant?

Answer 2

“Apologeticus,” written around 197 AD, is Tertullian’s defence of Christianity, arguing that Christians were moral citizens deserving of protection rather than persecution.

Question 3

What does “De Praescriptione Haereticorum” [On the Prescription of Heretics] address?

Answer 3

“De Praescriptione Haereticorum” (On the Prescription Against Heretics) defends the authority of the church and apostolic tradition in defining orthodox belief.

Question 4

How did Tertullian contribute to the development of Trinitarian concepts?

Answer 4

Tertullian created the term “Trinity” (Trinitas in Latin) and defended the divinity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, significantly influencing the development of Trinitarian doctrine in works like “Against Praxeas.”

Question 5

What themes do “De Pudicitia” (On Modesty) and “De Patientia” (On Patience) explore?

Answer 5

In “De Pudicitia” (On Modesty) and “De Patientia” (On Patience), Tertullian explored strict ethical standards for Christians, emphasising moral rigour and discipline.

Question 6

How did Tertullian’s later affiliation with Montanism influence his work?

Answer 6

Later in life, Tertullian joined Montanism, which emphasised the Holy Spirit’s continued work and the imminent Second Coming of Christ, reflecting a shift towards more charismatic expressions of Christianity.

Question 7

Why was Tertullian a controversial figure in early Christianity?

Answer 7

Tertullian’s affiliation with Montanism and his rigid views on issues like post-baptismal sin and women’s roles in the church made him a controversial figure, despite his significant contributions to Christian theology and apologetics.

Question 8

What is Tertullian’s legacy [what is he remembered for] in Western Christianity?

Answer 8

Tertullian’s legacy includes influencing Western Christianity and theologians like Augustine of Hippo. He contributed significantly to the development of Latin terminology and theology in Christianity.

Question 9

How do scholars view Tertullian’s contributions to Christianity?

Answer 9

Views on Tertullian vary, with some scholars praising his legal rigour and intellectual contributions, especially in apologetics and Trinitarian theology, while others critique his uncompromising stances, particularly on gender roles.

Question 10

How did Tertullian defend Christians against accusations of atheism?

Answer 10

Tertullian countered accusations of atheism, directed at Christians for worshiping an invisible God, by questioning the existence and virtues of the flawed and human-like pagan gods.

Question 11

How did Tertullian refute [argue against] charges of immorality among Christians?

Answer 11

Tertullian argued that Christians upheld high moral standards, respected marriage, and promoted virtuous living, refuting accusations of sexual licentiousness.

Question 12

How did Tertullian address accusations of Christians being enemies of the state?

Answer 12

Tertullian emphasised that while Christians prayed for the Empire’s well-being, they owed allegiance to a higher kingdom, thus refuting charges of state treason for not worshiping Roman gods and the Emperor.

Question 13

How did Tertullian respond to rumours of cannibalism and infanticide linked to Christian rites?

Answer 13

Tertullian clarified the symbolic nature of Christian rites and stressed the sanctity of human life, addressing misconceptions about cannibalism and infanticide.

Question 14

How did Tertullian highlight the intellectual respectability of Christianity?

Answer 14

Tertullian highlighted the intellectual rigour of Christianity and challenged philosophers and scholars to critically engage with Christian texts and ideas.

Question 15

What do modern scholars recognise about Tertullian’s work?

Answer 15

Modern scholars recognise Tertullian’s lasting influence, noting that his apologetics provide insights into early Christianity’s convictions and practices, and challenge Roman religious and philosophical traditions.

Question 16

What impact did Tertullian’s apologetic works have on early Christianity and the Roman Empire?

Answer 16

Tertullian’s apologetic works laid the groundwork for future Christian apologists, portraying Christianity as moral, intellectually robust, and compatible with good citizenship, crucial for the early church’s survival and acceptance in the Roman Empire.

Question 17

Who was Tertullian, and why is he significant in early Christian history?

Answer 17

Tertullian, known as the “father of Latin Christianity,” was an early Church Father who played a vital role as an apologist and polemicist [someone who engages in controversial debates], significantly contributing to defining and defending early Christian orthodoxy amid theological challenges.

Question 18

How did Tertullian contribute to the doctrine of the Trinity and the nature of God?

Answer 18

In “Against Praxeas,” Tertullian coined the term “Trinity” to describe God’s nature as three in one and challenged Praxeas’ monarchianism by emphasising the distinct persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while still upholding God’s unity.

Question 19

What was Tertullian’s approach to combating heretical teachings?

Answer 19

In “The Prescription Against Heretics,” Tertullian emphasised apostolic succession and the Rule of Faith as crucial safeguards against heresy, arguing that apostles and their legitimate successors were the true interpreters of Scripture, using the Trinity as a defining belief of Christianity.

Question 20

How did Tertullian defend the concept of bodily resurrection?

Answer 20

In “On the Resurrection of the Flesh,” Tertullian defended the bodily resurrection against Gnostic beliefs in a purely spiritual resurrection, opposed dualism, and upheld the significance of the material world.

Question 21

How do modern scholars view Tertullian’s contributions to Christian theology?

Answer 21

Historian J. N. D. Kelly highlighted Tertullian’s foundational role in Western theology, and modern theologian David Bentley Hart praised Tertullian for blending piety [strong belief] with intellectual rigour, significantly shaping Latin Christian thought.

Question 22

Why are Tertullian’s polemical and doctrinal works crucial for understanding early Christian orthodoxy?

Answer 22

Tertullian’s works are crucial for understanding early Christian orthodoxy because he directly confronted heresies and false teachings, making a lasting contribution to Christian doctrine through his rigorous defence of key doctrines like the Trinity, apostolic succession, and the bodily resurrection.

Question 23

Why is Tertullian significant in the development of Christian ethics?

Answer 23

Known as the “Father of Latin Theology,” Tertullian made significant contributions to Christian ethics, possibly influenced by his Montanist sympathies, advocating for an ascetic lifestyle and emphasising moral rigour.

Question 24

How did Tertullian advocate for asceticism in Christian life?

Answer 24

Tertullian promoted an ascetic lifestyle, emphasising renunciation and self-denial as means to spiritual growth and closeness to God, particularly in works like “On Penance” and “On Chastity.”

Question 25

What were Tertullian’s views on sexual morality?

Answer 25

Tertullian strongly condemned sexual relations outside of marriage, advocated for modesty and sexual restraint, and addressed the virtue of modesty in works like “On the Worship of Women.”

Question 26

How did Tertullian view Christians’ social responsibility and civic conduct?

Answer 26

In “Apologeticum,” [The Apology] Tertullian defended Christian ethical superiority over pagan practices, highlighting love and charity as guiding principles for public conduct.

Question 27

What significance did Tertullian attribute to martyrdom?

Answer 27

Tertullian considered martyrdom as the pinnacle of Christian ethical behaviour, a divine act of ultimate sacrifice, especially discussed in “De Corona.”

Question 28

How did J. N. D. Kelly describe Tertullian’s moral outlook?

Answer 28

J. N. D. Kelly described Tertullian’s moral outlook as a stringent form of Christian legalism, reflecting his strict moral stances and rigorous ethical principles.

Question 29

What paradox is associated with Tertullian’s ethical stances?

Answer 29

Tertullian’s strict moral stances, influenced by his Montanist beliefs, led to an unforgiving stance on sins committed after baptism, creating a paradox in his rigorous defence of Christian orthodoxy [belief].

Question 30

What is the significance of Tertullian’s moral writings for Christian ethics?

Answer 30

Tertullian’s moral writings provide a comprehensive framework for understanding Christian ethics, discussing asceticism, sexual morality, social responsibility, and the value of martyrdom, thus continuing to influence Christian conduct and thought today.

Question 31

How did Tertullian’s Montanist affiliations create controversies with the early Christian Church?

Answer 31

Tertullian’s Montanist affiliations clashed with the Church’s hierarchical structure, which placed authority in bishops. His challenge to Church authority widened the rift between him and the Church hierarchy, leading to controversies and schisms.

Question 32

What was Tertullian’s legacy within Montanism?

Answer 32

Tertullian’s intellectual abilities enriched Montanism’s theological depth. His works, articulating Montanist beliefs with rigour, became foundational texts for Montanists, despite Montanism’s eventual suppression by the orthodox church.

Question 33

How do modern scholars interpret Tertullian’s association with Montanism?

Answer 33

Modern scholars find Tertullian’s association with Montanism both perplexing and illuminating, highlighting the paradox of his orthodoxy and his attempts to reconcile institutional authority with charismatic spiritual experience.

Question 34

What marks the significance of Tertullian’s Montanist writings in early Christian thought?

Answer 34

Tertullian’s association with Montanism marked a significant shift in his theological and ethical positions, while he remained committed to core Christian beliefs. His Montanist writings, characterised by moral rigour and theological complexity, remain a fascinating chapter in early Christian thought.