Critical Overview of The Life and Work The Christian Theologian Tertullian

Introduction

Tertullian was a Christian theologian and a foremost critic of Rome’s efforts to persecute Christians. Tertullian lived in a time where Christians were commonly persecuted by the Romans simply for not conforming to the “norms” of the empire. Tertullian believes Christians should denounce Greek and Roman traditions because he views Roman leaders as tyrannical, a Roman law exists that forces gods to be “approved” by the senate, and he believes the Romans allow their women to behave in an unfit manner.

Critique of Tyrannical Leadership

One reason why Tertullian believes Christians should denounce Greek and Roman tradition is he views Roman leaders as tyrannical. Tertullian criticizes the Roman approach by pointing out the sheer injustice of their laws. One example of this from the text is when he states, “your sentences, 'It is not lawful for you to exist,' and with unhesitating rigour you enjoin this to be carried out, you exhibit the violence and unjust domination of mere tyranny” (Tertullian, 197 AD, p. 3). This shows how appalled Tertullian was by the actions of the Romans towards his fellow Christians. Tertullian also goes on to say, “Nay, a law lies under strong suspicions which does not care to have itself tried and approved: it is a positively wicked law, if, unproved, it tyrannizes over men” (Tertullian, 197 AD, p. 3). He is speaking about the Roman law which disallows Christians from appealing the crimes levied against them. These examples show how Tertullian believed the Roman leaders to be tyrannical and therefore not something to emulate.

Disapproval of Roman Religious Laws

Another reason for Tertullian’s belief that Christians should denounce Roman tradition is the Roman law that no god should be consecrated by the emperor till first approved by the senate. Tertullian finds this unsatisfactory because he believes it takes away from the divinity of a god for it to have to be “approved.” He even goes as far as to say, “among you divinity is allotted at the judgment of human beings. Unless gods give satisfaction to men, there will be no deification for them” (Tertullian, 197 AD, p. 4). This statement shows how appalled Tertullian is by this idea that a god should have to be “approved” by certain people. This law is one example of how Tertullian believes Christians should denounce Roman traditions. Furthermore, this process of approval indicates a human-centric view of the divine, which Tertullian argues undermines the sacred nature of religious worship.

Criticism of Roman Social Norms

The third reason why Tertullian believes Christians should denounce rather than adopt Greek and Roman tradition is that he believes the Romans allow their women to behave in a manner in which he deems inappropriate. For example, in Tertullian’s Apology, he states, “Now, women have every member of the body heavy laden with gold; wine-bibbing is so common among them, that the kiss is never offered with their will; and as for divorce, they long for it as though it were the natural consequence of marriage” (Tertullian, 197 AD, p. 6). Obviously, as a Christian, Tertullian would view these actions by any women but especially married women to be extremely offensive. Another example of Tertullian’s distaste on this matter is when he states, “I see now no difference between the dress of matrons and prostitutes” (Tertullian, 197 AD, p. 6). By Tertullian calling “respectable” Roman women prostitutes, he is showing his absolute disdain for the Roman people and therefore showing his resistance to the Christians adopting their traditions. Tertullian's critique extends beyond mere social customs; it reflects his concern over the moral decay he perceives in Roman society. These are the reasons why Tertullian believes the Christians should denounce Greek and Roman traditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tertullian provides a robust critique of Roman society from a Christian perspective. His arguments against the tyrannical nature of Roman leadership, the sacrilegious approval of gods by human authorities, and the perceived moral degradation in social norms highlight the reasons why he believes Christians should resist adopting Roman and Greek traditions. Tertullian's work remains a significant historical document for understanding early Christian resistance to Roman cultural and political practices.

**References**

Tertullian. (197 AD). *Apology*.