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Optatus of Milevis

Christian author

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Optatus of Milevis was a Christian author from North Africa who wrote in the 4th century CE. He is known for his anti-Donatist polemic, which argued against the Donatist movement. The Donatists were a Christian group that separated from the Roman Catholics in 312 CE due to disagreements over the election of a bishop and the validity of sacraments administered by those who had renounced their faith during persecution. Optatus's arguments against the Donatists anticipated later theological discussions, notably those of St. Augustine of Hippo.12

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