1. Discuss the characteristics of the Apologetic Period (140-180AD). The early church had initially wanted to write edifying material for the saints. However, this desire was replaced by one to write apologetic and polemic literature to oppose persecution and heresy, respectively. The literature of the Apologetic Period was designed to confront emperors and to explain the rationale of Christian actions and activities. The apologetical writings tried to present the truth, and much of that kind of writing during this period was sent directly to the emperor. Literature during this period was characterized by (1) portraying more paganism (a negative), (2) referring to the New Testament and quoting from it, (3) presenting a defense for Christians against their persecutors, (4) being addressed directly to the political leaders of their times, and (5) attempting to explain the theological basis for certain Christian positions. Aristides and Justin were the main contributors, but they were not the only ones. The literature of this period shows their understanding of theological issues. For instance, they understood that their communion was not cannibalism.

2. Discuss Aristides. Not much is known about Aristides except that he wrote "An Apology Of Aristides" in 144AD. He wrote at about the same time that Marcion was being excommunicated from the church. He wrote his apology, comparing Christianity to heathenism, to Emperor Antonius Pius, and he was very fair in his treatment of both. His writings and arguments were also very well done.

3. Discuss Justin (Martyr). Justin was more important than Aristides because of what is known about him. In 150AD, he wrote his first apology to Emperor Pius. He claimed that Christians should have equal power as others in the Roman Empire, but of course, he did not win that argument. In his writings, he made a strong case for Christianity, and he also described 2nd century worship, which was very similar to 1st century worship. Also in 150AD, he wrote a dialogue about a meeting that he had had with a Jewish man named Trito. In it, he explained his own conversion experience and how Greek philosophy had not met his personal spiritual needs. From his comments, a person can understand how 2nd century evangelization worked.

4. Discuss the characteristics of the Polemical Period (180-225AD). This writing was intended to attack the heretics in the church. It was characterized by (1) having second generation Christians rather than converted heathens as its authors, (2) by dealing primarily with those in the church, (3) by crediting the New Testament as being the authority and replacing the Old Testament in supremacy, and (4) by presenting the positions of the orthodox church over the heterodox (unorthodox) church. The best of the writers were western (Latin), not eastern (Greek). However, with the western writers, tendencies towards Gnosticism frequently appeared. Also, the polemical writers were more critical and less fair with their opponents. They often ridiculed them and made fun of them.

5. Discuss Irenaeus (130-202AD). Irenaeus was very orthodox, a good defender of the faith, bishop of Lyon (France), western, uncorrupted by eastern heresies, and a disciple of Polycarp who was a disciple of the Apostle John. He sought to identify orthodoxy, and he established 3 rules of orthodoxy. They are (1) look at the Old and New Testaments (minus Philemon and III John) to determine heresy and orthodoxy issues, (2) Apostolic Tradition (rules of faith) which eventually became Apostle's Creed (pretty good in what it says but may not say everything), and (3) Apostolic Succession (he could list the apostolic line of Peter, Linus, Anticletus, and Clement even though the first three might not be correct). He said the church of Rome was founded by Peter and Paul, but this is wrong. His last two rules of orthodoxy are not as good as the first. He was the first person to write catolic church with a capital "C". His major writings were five books against all heresies, of which Gnosticism was his chief.

6. Discuss Tertullian (160-220AD). Tertullian was born and raised in Carthage, North Africa. He was converted in Rome and returned to Carthage to minister. He became a presbyter and writer. Montanus was strong in North Africa at that time, and Tertullian became involved with him for the remainder of his life. He was orthodox and wrote a lot about the Trinity. He refuted modalism and adoptionism. Cyprian convinced others to accept Tertullian as orthodox. Another view of Tertullian was Traducianism which said that the soul of a child came from his parents. He leaned towards baptismal regeneration, and he continued to develop the rules of faith (Apostle's Creed). From Montanism, he brought the concept of menial and mortal sins into the church, and it is still a part of the Catholic Church today. He wrote "Against Praxeas", which was a work against modalism.

7. Discuss Cyprian (195-258AD). Cyprian was raised in Carthage, saved through the efforts of Tertullian, son of a soldier, very authoritarian in his views, initially studied law, taught rhetoric, student of Tertullian, became bishop of Carthage, and fled persecution but was later martyred. He brought credibility to Tertullian and his writings, including the view on menial and mortal sins. He showed a hierarchy between bishop and the presbyters. He exalted the office of bishop and said that a person cannot have God as their Father unless they have the church as their mother. He also said that where the bishop is that there is the church. He was probably suggesting that people should submit to the bishop. Finally, he said that the bishop of Rome was the supreme bishop until he got into a conflict with him.

8. Discuss Hippolytus (236AD). Hippolytus was a presbyter and rival to Cornelius. He was probably martyred under Decius, and he wrote "Against All Heresies".

				Tom of Bethany

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