Early Christianity in North Africa

Description

Martyrs, exegetes, catechumens, and councils enlarge this study of North African Christianity, a region often reduced to its dominant patristic personalities. Smither provides English readers a quality translation of an important book that captures the unique spirit of an invaluable chapter of church history. Along with the churches located in large Greek cities of the East, the church of Carthage was particularly significant in the early centuries of Christian history. Initially, the Carthaginian church became known for its martyrs. Later, the North African church became further established and unified through the regular councils of its bishops. Finally, the church gained a reputation for its outstanding leaders, Tertullian of Carthage (c. 140-220), Cyprian of Carthage (195-258), and Augustine of Hippo (354-430), African leaders who continue to be celebrated and remembered today. Translator’s Preface vii Preface to the English Translation ix 1 Geographical and Historical Background 1 2 origins of the African Church 9 3 tertullian: the “Master” 33 4 Mid-Third-Century Persecution and Crisis in Africa 46 5 Cyprian, the “Pope” of Carthage 69 6 organization and Life of the Third-Century African Churches 82 7 The Donatist schism and the Division of African Christianity 101 8 The Diverse African religious Landscape in Late Antiquity 144 9 Augustine of Hippo and the Glory of the “Great Church” 159 10 The Final stages of the African Church: From the Vandal invasion to the Arab Maghreb 189 Maps 202 Chronology 207 Bibliography 219 Index 223