Tertullian’s Against Hermogenes

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.

In this work we find Tertullian dealing with the materialists: heretics who posited matter was created before God who simply used this pre-existent matter to create the world. In refuting their arguments, Tertullian employs three main guiding principles. First, he holds a very high view of the glory and nature of God. Any conception of creation that does not imply the eternal, good, powerful, and immutable nature of God the Father simply cannot stand. Second, he appeals to reason. He works through the logic and implications of his opponents’ doctrines and demonstrates that they lead to undesirable conclusions. Finally, he relies upon the scriptures for his metaphysical models and beliefs. Through his arguments, Tertullian reminds us that there is a grand design to our world. God is not really the byproduct of matter, but rather matter and everything we live and see as an experience is a direct result of God's power and work and wisdom.

And now, please enjoy this rendition of Tertullian’s Against Hermogenes.

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