Person
Novatian
3rd-century Roman theologian and schismatic leader.
Filed underTheologians & Historical FiguresEcclesiology
Definition
A 3rd-century Roman rhetorician and philosopher who became the first theologian in Rome to write in Latin. He is known for his opposition to the election of Pope Cornelius and for his rigorist stance against the readmission of the lapsi, leading to the Novatian schism.
Sources
- 1.Everett Ferguson Church History: Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013). pp. 159-175
Last revised August 18, 2026