Source edition
Tertullian. Quinti Septimi Florentis Tertulliani opera, Pars I (Corpus Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum Latinorum, Volume 20). Reifferscheid, August; Wissowa, Georg, editors. Prague, Vienna, Leipzig: F. Tempsky, G. Freytag, 1890.
Source data
Open Greek and Latin · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a practical theological treatise that addresses how Christians must avoid idolatry (*idolatria*) and preserve their pure faith within a pagan society. The author begins by defining idolatry as the greatest of all sins, expanding its scope beyond the physical worship of images to include indirect involvement such as the manufacture and trade of idols. He strictly rejects "earning a living" as a justification for participating in these trades. The discussion extends to various aspects of daily life, including secular teaching, public office, military service, and participation in pagan festivals or home decorations. He also warns against subtle compromises, such as verbal or written oaths made in the name of pagan deities. Ultimately, the work demands that Christians radically separate themselves from pagan social customs and maintain absolute loyalty to Christ, guiding their faith safely through the dangers of a hostile world.