Author bio: Tertullian c.160-230 c.e. , A christian writer, who was trying to explain christianity to Pagans.
Date/Context: 2nd and 3rd century in the roman empire, ( how were christains treated in this time during the roman empire)
Summary: A christian writer, speaking to pagans who is trying to make christianity look great. He is very much trying to get the people to convert to christianity, you can tell by the way he idolizes it.
He is basically trying to clear the christian name of all that has been placed on it. he also uses the empire ( their people ) to say that they feel the same way as them.
Key Quotation: "Let the truth reach your ears by the private and quiet avenue of literature"
As mentioned in the text (Aspects I, p. 209), "Christians were sporadically sacrifieced to the lions as condemned reprobates...in the first through fourth centuries CE." In this climate, Tertullian sets out to explain and justify the practice of Christianity. He first lays out the hate and bad treatment directed at Christians despite their INNOCENCE. Further, he acknowledges the need for empire to preserve order and stability and states that Christians pray to God to protect the emperor. In short, he seeks to prevent continued scapegoating of Christians.
ReplyDelete"I shall take the stand to defend our innocence. Not only shall I refute the charges which are brought against us, but I shall even hurl them back upon those who make them..."