Tertullian, First Theologian of the West - Softcover

Osborn, Eric

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521524954 ISBN 13: 9780521524957

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2003

Synopsis

Tertullian was the first Western Christian to write theology, defending Christians against the hostility of the Roman state, as well as arguing against Marcion, Praxeas and theosophical fantasy. A complex thinker, Tertullian has, in the modern era, been rejected by both liberal Christianity and its secular critics. For a long time misquoted and misused, he now calls for sustained analysis and interpretation. This book offers a major reappraisal of his theology and its influence on the shape of the Western Christian tradition.

About this title

Review:

"Osborn has written what is quite simply the best introduction to the thought of Tertullian in any language." T. D. Barnes, Theological Studies

"This highly readable and comprehensive work is a model of how historical theology should be done." Commonwealth

"This is a book to be read, to ponder, and to order for college, university, and seminary library." David P. Efroymson, Journal of Early Christian Studies

"With this work on Tertullian, E. Osborn makes a welcome addition to his earlier studies on Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria, as well as his others books on the development of early Christian theology, philosophy and moral thought." John Behr, St. Vladimir's Theological Quarterly

"...Osborn creates a welcome 'comic relief' from, and a very humane perspective upon, the high seriousness of his subject by a light but pervasive humor." Church History

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0521524954
• ISBN 13: 9780521524957
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 308