Definition

Proper noun: * Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus: A Carthaginian theologian and writer of the early Christian church. His Latin works, written between approximately 197 and 220 AD, were foundational to Western Christian theology and terminology.

Usage

• Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus is used as a proper name to refer to the historical figure. It is typically used in full in formal, academic, or historical contexts.
  • The writings of Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus are crucial for understanding the development of Latin Christian thought.
  • Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus was a fierce defender of Christian orthodoxy against heresy.

Advanced Usage

• The name is often shortened to Tertullian. In most theological and historical discussions, the shortened form is standard.
  • The doctrine of the Trinity was significantly shaped by Tertullian.
  • Tertullian's apologetic work, Apologeticus, is a classic of early Christian literature.

Variants and Related Words

• Tertullian (n): The conventional and most common shortened form of the name Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus.
• Tertullianist (n, historical): A follower of Tertullian, particularly associated with a rigorist sect in Carthage after he embraced Montanism.
• Tertullianic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of Tertullian or his writings.
  • The author's Tertullianic style is marked by its rhetorical force and legal precision.

Synonyms

• The Church Father (from Carthage): A descriptive synonym highlighting his status as an early, influential Christian writer.
• Early Christian Apologist: A descriptor focusing on his role in defending Christianity through written works.

Related Phrases

• To quote Tertullian: A common phrase in theological writing used to introduce a citation from his works.
  • As Tertullian famously asked, "What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?"
• Tertullian's paradox: A reference to his statement, "I believe because it is absurd" (), often cited in discussions of faith and reason.
  • The seminar will examine the interpretation of Tertullian's paradox.

Noun

1. Carthaginian theologian whose writing influenced early Christian theology (160-230)