Lecture 7: Introduction to Tertullian 24 September 2019 Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian Introduction Languages Tertullian’s Life Philosophy and Language Assignments Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian Greek Greek was the common language of the ancient Mediterranean Education Commerce All Christian Scripture was in Greek Septuagint OT Greek NT Greek was the ‘native’ language spoken by the Christian community in Rome through the Third Century Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian Latin Language of Roman Administration Military Law Latin was language of Church only in North Africa in Second and Third Century Never part of the Hellenistic kingdoms Along with Spain, one of first provinces of Rome, result of Punic Wars Rome settled veterans there in colonies Commerce was primarily between North Africa and Italy; not with other parts of Mediterranean Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Map of Western Roman Empire Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Early Christianity in North Africa Early accounts of Martyrs, around 200 Period of instability in Empire Account of 12 Martyrs of Scilli (near Carthage), late Second Century Translations of Bible into Latin, used liturgically; Before Jerome’s authoritative version Known as Old Latin Bible OT based on Septuagint Generalization: Type of Christianity less specifically philosophical, focused on practice and discipline Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Passion of Perpetua Recounts martyrdom of a group of young Christians c 203 “…some part and fellowship with Your Holy Apostles and Martyrs with Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, and all Your Saints.” Some parts of story written by Perpetua while in prison Perhaps edited by Tertullian Significant scholarly debate concerning language of origin: Greek or Latin In Passion of Perpetua, the direct action of the Holy Spirit guides and sanctifies Perpetua and her companions Note that their sacrifice is given equal status to Scripture

Sketch of Tertullian’s Life Born c. 160 in Carthage Convert to Catholic Christianity Many of his works are extant; Dominant early theologian in the Latin West First theologian of significance to write primarily in Latin Well aware of the works of other theologians: Irenaeus, Justin Martyr Some common (mis)conceptions about Tertullian Lawyer Presbyter Apostatized to Montanism Died (a martyr?) in 225; Never declared a saint, although St. Cyprian considered him the ‘master’ and read him everyday Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Key Issues for Tertullian Similar to those of both Justin Martyr and Irenaeus Tertullian wrote an Apology, along with a number of other works addressed to non-Christians Tertullian wrote many works attacking Christian heresies; specific works Against Marcion; Prescription Against Heretics But he was also very concerned with right practice and discipline of individual members Wrote (edited) the account of the martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity We have more Tertullian’s works than any other pre-Constantinian theologian He wrote in Greek and Latin Only Latin works survived Seems to have been part of a Christian intellectual writing ‘club’ Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Tertullian and Philosophy Tertullian did use philosophical terms and was quite familiar with the leading philosophies of the day: Stoicism and Epicureanism Yes, he did say “What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” Prescriptions Against Heretics 7 But he also used many concepts from Stoicism, especially from Seneca So if for Tertullian, “our instruction comes from the porch of Solomon” (Heretics, 7) he also looked to “Seneca whom we so often find on our side” (Treatise on Soul, 20). Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Tertullian and Rhetoric Schooled in Latin rhetorical forms (Cicero and Quintilian) Developed Latin theological language in use to this day Trinity Persons of Trinity Two natures of Christ Sacrament Eucharist (sacrifice), baptism, confirmation Mother Church Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Some Reading Points in Heretics Importance of Rule (canon, regula) of Faith from the Apostles How to handle arguments that the Apostles were not united Scripture and its interpretation as part of Rule of Faith Issues with philosophy: idle speculation about nature of God Proper exegesis of “seek and you will find” Importance of discipline and practice: living the Rule of Faith in all aspects of life Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Some Reading Points in Letter to His Wife A type of spiritual will Encourages her to remain chaste after his death Gives some reasons why chastity is preferable to marriage At the conclusion gives a model for a Christian marriage Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian

Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian Assignment Read Prescription Against Heretics Especially, 1-27; 31-32; 38-42; in LCC Read Letter to His Wife in ANF IV Book I.1-5; Book II.8 Hiene, “The Beginnings of Latin Christian Literature” in Early Christian Literature (optional) Benedict XVI, General Audience, 30 May 2007, Tertullian, available at http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/audiences/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20070530_en.html Lecture 7: Introduciton to Tertullian