general refutation of all dogmatic innovations through an affirmation of
tradition and the authority of the Church.
Tertullian’s writing career spanned the years 197 - 220 AD. This span can
be broken up into three distinct parts: his Catholic period 197 - 206 AD; his
semi-Montanist period 207 - 212 AD; his Montanist period 213 - 220 AD.
The first period is marked by orthodoxy of opinion, the second by a
rigorism and a developing anticlericalism without any definite break with
the Catholic Church, the third by a clear defection to the Montanist camp.
The final break with Catholicism came with the formal condemnation of
Montanism and Rome’s authorization to contract second marriages after
the death of the first spouse, a practice denounced by Montanists. Tertullian
turned his apologetical pen against the Church, falling into an extreme
anticlericalism and invective. After his defection, however, Tertullian’s
literary output declined markedly.
Some authors are of the view that Tertullian outgrew Montanism and
founded his own sect which later became known as the Tertullianists.
Records indicate that this sect subsisted until the end of the fourth century
when St. Augustine converted them. After 220 AD, we do not hear of
Tertullian. St. Jerome remarks that he lived on into his eighties, possibly
dying even as late as 250 AD.
Extracts
Apology (197 AD):
9
“In our case, murder being once for all forbidden, we may not destroy even the
foetus in the womb, while as yet the human being derives blood from other parts of
the body for its sustenance. To hinder a birth is merely a speedier man killing; nor
does it matter whether you take away a life that is born, or destroy one that is
coming to the birth. That is a man which is going to be one…”
21, 6
“So also, that which proceeds from God is God and Son of God, and both are one.
Likewise, as He is Spirit from Spirit, and God from God, He is made a second by
count and in numerical sequence, but not in actual condition; for He comes forth
from the source but does not separate therefrom.”
Demurrer Against the Heretics (200 AD):
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