Novatian
Latin·Male·3rd century·Italy
Novatian was a Roman scholar, priest, and theologian in the 3rd century, known for his rigorous stance on penance and the readmission of Christians who had lapsed during persecution. He was declared an antipope by the Catholic Church after being consecrated by three bishops in 251, establishing a schismatic church that persisted for centuries.
Key Facts
- ›Novatian was a Roman theologian and the first to use Latin extensively.
- ›He advocated for a strict position on readmitting Christians who had lapsed during persecution.
- ›He was consecrated as pope by three bishops in 251, challenging the established Pope Cornelius.
- ›Novatian was excommunicated by a council of bishops in October 251.
- ›The schismatic church he founded, Novatianism, lasted for several centuries.
- ›He died around 258, likely during Valerian's persecutions.
the Trinity, the Spectacle, Jewish Foods, In Praise of Purity, Letters
- Rigorous Position On Penance For Christians Who Lapsed During Persecution.
- Belief That Idolatry Was An Unforgivable Sin and the Church Could Not Readmit Lapsed Members To Communion.
- Affirmed the Baptismal Question Regarding Remission of Sins Through the Holy Church.
Antipope, Priest, Theologian, Scholar
3rd Century
Rome, Africa
Novatianism
Council of Carthage
Novatianism
Antipope, Priest, Theologian, Writer, Leader
Schismatic, Antipope
About Novatian
Novatian (c. 200 – c. 258) was a prominent Roman scholar, priest, and theologian of the 3rd century. He is historically significant as the first Roman theologian to extensively employ the Latin language in his theological writings, at a time when the Church was grappling with complex issues such as penance and the reintegration of Christians who had renounced their faith during periods of intense persecution.
Life and Context
Novatian's early life is sparsely documented. He received a strong literary education. Accounts suggest he was baptized under duress during a severe illness, receiving baptism by affusion rather than immersion, and was not fully initiated into all the rites. Despite this, his profound learning was recognized, though sometimes sarcastically, by figures like Pope Cornelius. He rose to become a leading presbyter in the Roman Church. His theological views, particularly his insistence on a rigorous approach to penance for those who had lapsed, set him at odds with the more lenient stance of Pope Cornelius.
Papal Candidacy and Schism
Following the martyrdom of Pope Fabian in 250 and the subsequent vacancy of the papal see during the Decian persecution, Novatian emerged as a key figure in governing the Church in Rome. When Pope Cornelius was elected in March 251, a faction favoring Novatian's more stringent approach had him consecrated as pope by three bishops. This act created a schism, with Novatian being recognized as an antipope by the established Church. Both Cornelius and Novatian sent representatives to garner support from other churches.
Theological Contributions and Legacy
Novatian's most defining theological stance was his opposition to readmitting lapsed Christians to communion without stringent penance. He argued that idolatry was an unforgivable sin and that while the Church could offer penitence, only God could grant forgiveness. This rigorist position, though not entirely novel, placed him in opposition to the broader consensus of the Church. The Council of Carthage in 251, and later a council in Rome in October 251, excommunicated Novatian. Despite this, the schismatic church he established, known as Novatianism, endured for several centuries, reflecting the deep divisions within Christianity during this era. Novatian died around 258, likely during Valerian's persecutions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Novatian?
Novatian was a 3rd-century Roman scholar, priest, and theologian. He is recognized as the first Roman theologian to extensively use the Latin language. He is considered by the Catholic Church to have been an antipope.
What was Novatian known for?
Novatian is known for his rigorous theological position on how to deal with Christians who had lapsed (denied their faith) during times of persecution, particularly concerning the issue of penance. He believed that idolatry was an unforgivable sin and that the church had no right to readmit lapsed members to communion.
Why was Novatian considered an antipope?
In 251, Novatian was consecrated as pope by three bishops, establishing a rival papacy to that of Pope Cornelius. This action was deemed schismatic by the established Church, leading to his excommunication.
What happened to the church Novatian established?
The schismatic church that Novatian established, known as Novatianism, persisted for several centuries after his death. It maintained its distinct practices and theological positions, particularly regarding the readmission of the lapsed.
When did Novatian live and die?
Novatian lived approximately from 200 to 258. He was active during a period of significant persecution for Christians and died around the same year as his opponent, St. Cyprian of Carthage, likely during Valerian's persecutions.
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