Tertullian and the Church [Paperback]

In this study Tertullian's writings are examined in the context of the developing early Church.Was Tertullian of Carthage a schismatic? How did he view the church and its bishops? In this study David Rankin sets the writings of Tertullian in the context of the early third-century church and its developments, and discusses Tertullian's own theology of the church, his imagery and his perception of church office and ministry. Tertullian's contribution to the development of the church has often been misunderstood, and this thorough exploration provides a timely reassessment of its nature and importance.Was Tertullian of Carthage a schismatic? How did he view the church and its bishops? In this study David Rankin sets the writings of Tertullian in the context of the early third-century church and its developments, and discusses Tertullian's own theology of the church, his imagery and his perception of church office and ministry. Tertullian's contribution to the development of the church has often been misunderstood, and this thorough exploration provides a timely reassessment of its nature and importance.Was Tertullian of Carthage a schismatic? How did he view the church and its bishops? In this study David Rankin sets the writings of Tertullian in the context of the early third-century church and its developments, and discusses Tertullian's own theology of the church, his imagery and his perception of church office and ministry. Tertullian's contribution to the development of the church has often been misunderstood, and this thorough exploration provides a timely reassessment of its nature and importance.Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; A note on chronology of texts; Introduction; Part I. The Historical Questions: 1. The church in North Africa; 2. Tertullian's relationship to the Catholic church; 3. Tertullian's relationship to the New Prophecy movement; Part II. Tertullian's Doctrine of the Church: Introduction; 4. Tertullian's ecclesiological images; 5. The church as l³