c. AD 155 – c. 220

Tertullian

The first major Latin Christian author; he shaped Western theological vocabulary, including the word trinitas.

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Location
Carthage, North Africa
Role
Apologist and theologian writing in Latin
Major writings
  • Apology; Prescription Against Heretics; Against Praxeas; On Baptism
Teachings
  • Trinitarian language of one substance and three persons
  • Rigorous moral discipline
Connection to apostolic Christianity
He appealed to churches able to name their apostolic founders as the criterion of true doctrine, though he later joined the Montanist movement and is not counted a saint.

Quotations with references

The blood of Christians is seed.

Apology 50

Sources and References