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Novatian · Author Profile

Novatian (Greek: Νοβατιανός, Latin: Novatianus, c. 200 – c. 258) was a scholar, priest, and theologian. He is considered by the Catholic Church to have been an antipope between 251 and 258. Some Greek authors give his name as Novatus, who was an African presbyter. In this library, Novatian is linked to 1 document, including Treatise Concerning the Trinity.

Activity
AD 220 - AD 258
Documents in this library
1
Corpus date window
AD 255

History and Context

Novatian (Greek: Νοβατιανός, Latin: Novatianus, c. 200 – c. 258) was a scholar, priest, and theologian. He is considered by the Catholic Church to have been an antipope between 251 and 258. Some Greek authors give his name as Novatus, who was an African presbyter. He was a noted theologian and writer, the first Roman theologian who used the Latin language, at a time when there was much debate about how to deal with Christians who had lapsed and wished to return, and the issue of penance. Consecrated as pope by three bishops in 251, he adopted a more rigorous position than the established Pope Cornelius. Novatian was shortly afterwards excommunicated: the schismatic church which he established persisted for several centuries (see Novatianism). Novatian is described in reference records as theologian, Catholic priest, and writer. Recorded offices include antipope (AD 251-AD 258). Place associations in major reference datasets include Phrygia and Rome. The documents preserved here span AD 255 and include Treatise Concerning the Trinity (1 total).

What We Know

  • Activity window in reference data: AD 220 - AD 258.
  • Approximate lifespan from biographical records: AD 220-AD 258.
  • Roles in major reference data: theologian, Catholic priest, and writer.
  • Ecclesial or civic offices recorded: antipope (AD 251-AD 258).
  • Associated places: Phrygia and Rome.
  • Tradition or confessional marker: Christianity.
  • Languages linked to writing or transmission: Latin.
  • No additional notable-work list is consistently preserved in reference metadata.
  • Documents in this corpus: 1 (Treatise Concerning the Trinity).
  • Corpus date range for attributed texts: AD 255.

Works in This Library

Legacy

Consecrated as pope by three bishops in 251, he adopted a more rigorous position than the established Pope Cornelius. Few details are known as to his life. Novatian's reception in theology and church history is closely tied to ongoing study of Treatise Concerning the Trinity. The documents preserved here span AD 255 and include Treatise Concerning the Trinity (1 total).

Source Notes