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
In this theological treatise, the early Christian apologist Tertullian addresses believers and catechumens to explain why Christians must abstain from attending the spectacles of pagan Rome. The author begins by refuting the defenses of pagans and some compromising Christians who argue that pleasure does not affect inner faith or that the Scriptures do not explicitly forbid such entertainments. He then historically traces the origins of chariot races, theatrical performances, athletic contests, and gladiatorial combats, demonstrating how they are intrinsically rooted in idolatry and the worship of demons. Furthermore, Tertullian criticizes the madness, lust, and cruelty stimulated by these shows, arguing that such emotional agitation is contrary to Christian discipline and peace of mind. Ultimately, he urges believers to reject these worldly pleasures, pointing instead to the spiritual joy of salvation and the ultimate "spectacle" of God’s divine judgment at the end of days.