Novatian
Also: Novatianus
Born perhaps between 190 and 210; the place is not known. Died by tradition between 257 and 258; the place is not known.
A priest at Rome and the first Roman theologian to write in Latin. In 251 he became a rival bishop, because he would not take back Christians who had denied the faith.
Wrote in Latin. A major author.
Places lived
- 240 to 251Roma (now Rome, Italy)priest, then rival bishopyears probable
Works
5 works, in the order they were written. 5 works can be read here.
- On the TrinityThe first large work of theology written in Latin at Rome.32,901 words
- Letters to CyprianTwo letters that Novatian wrote for the clergy of Rome to Cyprian about the lapsed, when Rome had no bishop; the corpus adds a third letter by other hands.4,307 words
- In Praise of Purity probably this authorA pastoral letter to his flock on chastity in marriage, in widowhood and in the virgin life.4,278 words
- On Jewish MeatsA letter to his people that the food laws of Moses are to be read in a spiritual sense.4,944 words
- On the Public Shows probably this authorA letter that forbids Christians the circus, the theatre and the games, because all of them belong to idols.3,802 words
How we know the dates and places
- Born not sure
- No ancient source. Scholars say about 200. See Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd ed. rev. (2005), 'Novatian'.
- Place of birth not known
- No reliable source. Philostorgius (Church History 8.15) says Phrygia; historians doubt it.
- Died by tradition
- Socrates, Church History 4.28 (a martyr under Valerian)
- Place of death not known
- No ancient source names a place. A tomb found at Rome in 1932 names a martyr Novatian; it is not sure that it is his.
- Roma, years probable
- Cyprian, Letters 30, 36 and 44 to 55; Cornelius of Rome in Eusebius, Church History 6.43
- Roma, place sure
- Cyprian, Letters 30, 36 and 44 to 55; Cornelius of Rome in Eusebius, Church History 6.43