Source edition
Tertullian. Quinti Septimii Florentis Tertulliani Quae Supersunt Omnia, Volume 1. Oehler, Franz, editor. Leipzig: Weigel, 1853.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This theological treatise, sparked by the incident of a Christian soldier arrested for refusing to wear a laurel wreath in the army, discusses the permissibility of Christians wearing secular crowns and the authority of church tradition and discipline. The author begins by arguing that even without explicit biblical support, many unwritten church practices—such as those related to baptism and the Eucharist—are valid based on tradition and custom. He then asserts that wearing crowns on the head contradicts the natural order created by God and demonstrates that its origins lie in pagan mythology and idolatry. The discussion extends to the fundamental incompatibility of military service with Christian discipleship, as well as the idolatrous nature of using crowns in civic events, weddings, and other secular ceremonies. Finally, the author exhorts believers to reject temporary, worldly wreaths in favor of Christ's crown of thorns and the incorruptible heavenly crown, calling for absolute fidelity to their faith.