Kontrowersje wokół męczeństwa w starożytnym Kościele ‒ stanowisko Tertuliana

Abstract

In his works, Tertullian referred to controversial issues which happened during persecution of the first believers of Christ. Christianity required from its followers even martyrdom, for which they received a priceless prize: eternal life. Martyrdom was not ordered, but was a free choice and sprang from the willpower of God. Carthaginian firmly objected to escaping from persecution. From the author’s analysis of his texts, it can be seen that Carthaginian’s view on this subject changed. In the period when he was a follower of the Catholic faith, he supported escape, but converting to Montanizm disregarded it because given that persecution originated from God, it could not be anything bad. In particular, he condemned clergymen who shirked martyrdom as it was they who should be a model for the faithful and a support in heavy moments of doubt. Carthaginian was a rigorous opponent of buying himself out of martyrdom. According to Tertullian, since Jesus laid down his life for all people, there was no price which could equal this act and redeem the man back from martyrdom. Such a way of avoiding persecution was unworthy of a faithful follower of Christ.