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Name:
Tertullian
Dates:
Born: c. 160
Died: c. 225
Conversion to Christianity: c. 197
Biography:
Although there were quite a few important people who contributed to the early development of
Christianity, Tertullian is one which many people remember. A Carthaginian who converted from
paganism to Christianity in 197, Tertullian became a prolific writer and staunch defender of
the Christian faith. He was very strict when it came to personal morality, which may be the
reason why he fell into Montanism later in his life.
One thing Tertullian became famous for was his question "What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?" In these simple words he expressed the basic distinction between faith and reason - i.e., traditional faith and traditional Greek philosophy. According to Tertullian, faith was supreme while reason and philosophy, centered in Athens, had to accept a second-class status, if any status at all.
Another thing he became famous for was his statement credo quia absurdam - I believe because it is absurd. With these words he effectively denounced reason and philosophy as having any important place in theology.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Christianity?
What are the various Christian groups, denominations, sects and heresies? What are some key concepts in Christian theology? What are some of the most important events in Christian history? All of this and more are covered in the Christianity FAQ.What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear. Read more about how dictionaries, scholars and others have tried to define and explain religion.
