Tertullian
Overview
The "Father of Latin Theology." A fiery lawyer who coined the theological terms Western Christianity uses today.
Did You Know?
Created the word "Trinity" (Trinitas) and the phrase "three persons, one substance."
Theological Warning
Not a SaintJoined a Cult. After defending the Church brilliantly for years, he became too rigid and moralistic. He eventually joined the Montanists, a prophetic sect that claimed they had new revelations from the Holy Spirit that superseded the Apostles.
Status: Not a Saint. He is the only Church Father who died outside the Church.
Major Writings
The Prescription Against Heretics (De Praescriptione Haereticorum)
Arguably more important than his Apology. Uses a lawyer's argument to say that heretics have no legal right to interpret the Bible because the Bible belongs only to the Church founded by the Apostles.
Read OnlineHistorical Context
The Ante-Nicene Fathers
The "Apologists" and early theologians living under persecution before the Council of Nicaea.
7 Church Fathers in this era
Part of The Ante-Nicene Fathers