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Ideas of Tertullian, by Text

[Greek, 160 - 220, Born in Carthage. Converted to Christianity in 196. Leader of the ascetic Montanist movement.]

200 works
p.181 I believe because it is absurd
     Full Idea: I believe because it is absurd ('Credo quia absurdum est').
     From: Tertullian (works [c.200]), quoted by Robert Fogelin - Walking the Tightrope of Reason n4.2
     A reaction: This seems to be a rather desperate remark, in response to what must have been rather good hostile arguments. No one would abandon the support of reason if it was easy to acquire. You can't deny its engaging romantic defiance, though.
p.437 Philosophers are the forefathers of heretics
     Full Idea: Philosophers are the forefathers of heretics.
     From: Tertullian (works [c.200]), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 20.2