Term
Novatianism
A 3rd-century schismatic movement that denied the church's right to restore lapsed Christians to membership.
Filed underHistorical TheologyChurch History
Definition
The denial during the 3rd century of a rigorist group of schismatics of the church's right to restore lapsed Christians to membership. It became a heresy that persisted for two centuries.
Connections
Follow this entry through the Lexicon.
- Narrower than
- RigoristTerm
Sources
- 1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 610Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 610.
Last revised August 14, 2026