Against Novatian

This episode presents an anonymous work dedicated to refuting the heresy of Novatian. He was a presbyter in Rome who lived from A.D. 210 to 280. After the Decian persecution ended in 251, and many who sacrificed to the Roman gods sought to return to the Church, Novatian refused to accept the election of Cornelius as bishop in Rome because, among other things, Conelius was willing to restore these Lapsed believers to communion. He and his followers thus created a schism in the Church and claimed the name Puritan for their new party, refusing to accept those who had denied Christ under persecution.

The author of this work was probably a bishop, possibly in North Africa, but due to stylistic differences and the way he treats the subject of the Lapsed it is unlikely to have been Cyprian. Based on textual clues, this was written some time between A.D. 254 and 256.

The arguments made here largely parallel those made in the epistles previously heard - that repentance is open to all and those who deny the faith ought to have a path to restoration. The author views scripture as authoritative and, like Cyprian, understands fellowship with the Church as a necessary element of salvation. It also provides an example of the Early Church’s willingness to interpret Old Testament passages allegorically, as the author identifies theological truths for the Church in seemingly unimportant details of the story of Noah’s ark.

If you would like to read more of the writings of the Early Christian Fathers, please visit ccel.org to view the full collection.