Tertullian and Origen; Important “non-Saints” of the Church

The Church has a history of NOT throwing out the baby with the bathwater, and this is best seen in her treatment of two of the most brilliant theological minds in the history of Christianity; Origen and Tertullian of North Africa.  And though neither may claim the official titles of Saint, Father, or Doctor of the Church, their contributions remain invaluable.  So, let’s take a brief look at their lives, work and the reasons why they were not canonized.

Tertullian of Carthage (ca. 155-220)

Born into a pagan family, Tertullian trained and worked as a lawyer. Near the age of forty he converted to Christianity and set out to use his skills to become a reputable theologian and apologist. And though never officially recognized by the Church he has come to be known as the “Father of Latin Christianity” for his extensive works in Latin; Greek having been the prevalent language of the Church since the time of the Apostles.

Among his greatest contributions was introducing the term Trinitas (Trinity) into the theological vocabulary of the Church; a term not found in Sacred Scripture, but which concept was clearly taught.  His usage of the term and the underlying formula una substantia, tres personae (consubstantial and three Persons) were utilized to refute non-Trinitarians, such as Praxeas (a Monarchian), and lay the groundwork for the language of the Nicene Creed. 

Tertullian was a prolific writer, in both Greek and Latin, writing dozens of theological treatises and polemical works such as The Prescriptions Against the Heretics, Against Marcion, and Against Praxeas; proving him a capable defender of the Holy Trinity. And though his work would later influence Cyprian of Carthage and Augustine of Hippo, his personal tenacity, which worked well against the enemies of orthodoxy, appeared to work against him.  Tertullian was a strict rigorist and his penchant toward an uncompromising stance led him to criticize others in the Church; particularly the clergy.  Toward the latter part of his life, he was drawn toward the sect of Montanism, a morally strict yet heretical movement that called itself the New Prophecy.  Led by the Phrygian, Montanus, and his two prophetesses - Maximilla and Priscilla - the group claimed that new revelations continued through the Holy Spirit and that these were superior to preceding revelations which at times undermined the Apostles and espoused doctrinal error.

Tertullian provided no explanation for favoring Montanism, and he was never excommunicated, yet in analyzing the content of his works, scholars have been able to show his digression by classifying his work into three eras; Catholic (ca. 193-207), transition to Montanist (ca. 206-212), and Montanist (ca. 213-220).  Though Montanism had been red flagged on several occasions, it would not be officially declared a heresy until the Council of Constantinople in 381, the reasons for which are stated above.  

Origen of Alexandria (ca. 185-253)

Unlike Tertullian, Origen was raised in a Christian family, and when the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus ordered a persecution of Christians and Jews in AD 202, young Origen wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, who had been arrested and imprisoned.  Thankfully for the Church, however, his mother foiled his attempt by hiding his clothes!  Sadly, his father, Leonides,  was beheaded and the family’s property was confiscated, leaving Origen, his mother and six siblings nearly destitute; but God had a plan. At the tender age of 18, and already well educated under the tutelage of his father, Origen found work as a teacher at the Catechetical School in Alexandria.  Quickly absorbing the atmosphere, he was appointed to the role of headmaster and would remain in service for nearly thirty years.  After this he would found his own theological school in Caesarea where he would serve until his death some twenty years later.  Origin reportedly wrote more than 2,000 works, including homilies, treatises, apologies and scriptural commentaries, among which the Hexapla and On First Principles are considered his finest.  His work would greatly influence Ambrose, Athanasias of Alexandria, and the Cappadocian; Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory Nazianzus.

Known for his brilliance, humility, modesty and devotion, one may wonder why he has never been officially recognized in the Church. TThe reason is that, though never condemned while living, some of Origen’s speculative teachings were posthumously declared heretical. What would later be termed the Origenist controversies, his orthodoxy became suspect for leaning toward subordinationism, universal salvation and the pre-existence of the soul prior to entering the body; all of which the Church denies. And by the time the Church began canonizing saints (10th century) and conferring the title of “Doctor” (13th century), neither Tertullian nor Origin made the grade, yet their work entitles them to be considered two of the most brilliant and productive theologians of early Christianity.