Tertullian Ad Nationes Book Two

Tertullian, the founder of Latin Christianity and a man of great intellect, was born in Carthage to a proconsular centurion sometime around A.D. 145. He was likely educated in Rome as an expert in law and joined the Church around 185, becoming a presbyter in 190. His writings profoundly influenced Augustine and Cyprian who, in turn, provided inspiration to the Reformers in Europe and in the Anglican Church. 

In his later years Tertullian embraced Montanism, a movement, labeled a heresy by the Church, which claimed to have further revelation from the Holy Spirit, held to a strict moral code, and elevated female prophets. Tertullian perhaps embraced this because he was discontent with the orthodox church of his day and found the uncompromising morality of Montanism appealing. Despite this, he is recognized as the founder of Latin Christianity and an incredibly influential Christian thought leader and writer.

Presented here is book two of Tertullian’s Ad Nationes. In this text Tertullian provides an extensive review and critique of paganism. Taking seriously the claim that the Roman and Greek pantheons are truly divine beings, he employs his sharp mind and knowledge to demonstrate the logical fallacies, historical inaccuracies, and immorality associated with such a belief. With the perspective of history, it is clear that Tertullian was right; faced with the power of belief in the God who created all things and who died to reconcile men to himself, the sacrificial, cult system of Tertullian’s day became extinct. This ultimate triumph of God over the idols of Egypt, Babylon, Greece, and Rome is something that too often we take for granted today, living two thousand years since Christ. 

And now, please enjoy this rendition of Tertullian’s Ad Nationes, Book two.

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