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Adversus Marcionem
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Adversus Marcionem

treatise by Tertullian
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Adversus Marcionem is a treatise written by Tertullian, an early Christian theologian, around the 2nd century CE. The work is a polemic against the teachings of Marcion of Pontus, who was considered a heretic by the early church.12

Marcionite theology posited two distinct gods: a just but wrathful creator god of the Old Testament, and a benevolent God of love revealed through Jesus Christ. Marcion believed that the creator god was responsible for the material world and humanity, which were inherently flawed. He taught that Jesus was sent by the benevolent God to liberate humanity from the creator's dominion.12

Tertullian's treatise argues against Marcion's dualistic view, defending the unity of God and the validity of the Old Testament. Adversus Marcionem was influential in shaping orthodox Christian doctrine and contributed to the development of the New Testament canon by forcing a clearer definition of accepted scriptures.34

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5 Britannica Sources
  1. Marcionite
  2. Marcion of Pontus
  3. Tertullian
  4. patristic literature - The Apologists
  5. biblical literature - Impulse toward canonization from heretical movements

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