Ante-Nicene Fathers · AD 150–325
Tertullian
c. 155–220 · Early Church · Carthage
A prolific Latin Christian writer from Carthage who helped shape the vocabulary of Western theology. His later association with the New Prophecy movement complicates his reception.
Major contributions
Latin theology, Trinitarian terminology
- Produced influential defenses of Christianity and critiques of rival teachings.
- Used Latin Trinitarian terminology in Against Praxeas.
Theological positions
Modern labels do not always describe historical writers precisely.
- Christology
Against Praxeas discusses the relationship of Father, Son, and Spirit.
- Baptism
On Baptism discusses baptism and advises delay in some circumstances, including for young children.
Major writings
- Apology
- Against Marcion
- Against Praxeas
- On Baptism