ACC ~ Mark 8 v38a

THE CONTEMPT OF SHAME

TERTULLIAN: The faithful are not ashamed that the Son of God was crucified. Hence they are shameless in a good sense through their contempt of shame, and foolish in a happy sense. The crucifixion was indeed a shameful event, viewed humanly. Yes, the Son of God died! [1] This is to be believed precisely amid its being an offense to humanity. The Son was buried! [2] He rose from the dead! [3] This fact is made all the more poignant by seeming all the more absurd. [4] But how could any of this be true if he himself was not truly the One [5] he made himself known to be? ON THE FLESH OF CHRIST 5. [6]

[1] Cf. Mt 27:50; Mk 15:37; Lk 23:46; Jn 19:30.

[2] Cf. Mt 27:60; Mk 15:46; Lk 23:53; Jn 19:42.

[3] Cf. Mt 28:6; Mk 16:6; Lk 24:5; Jn 20:16.

[4] This is the famous sentence sometimes translated: “It is by all means to be believed just because it is such an offense to reason,” or “I believe because it is absurd.”

[5] Truly God, truly human.

[6] Cetedoc 0018, 5.24; cf. ANF 3:525**.

FACING PERSECUTION

TERTULLIAN: If I avoid suffering, I am ashamed to confess: “Blessed are they who suffer persecution for my name’s sake.” [1] Unhappy, therefore, are they who, by running away, refuse to suffer as God at times requires. “He who shall endure to the end shall be saved.” [2] How then, when you ask me to flee, would I be enduring to the end? FLIGHT IN TIME OF PERSECUTION 7. [3]

[1] Mt 5:10-11.

[2] Mt 10:22.

[3] Cetedoc 0025, 7.12; ANF 4:120*.

ON BEING UNASHAMED

CYPRIAN: Does he think himself a Christian who is either ashamed or fears to be a Christian? How can he be with Christ, who either blushes or fears to belong to Christ? THE LAPSED 28. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0042, 28.557; FC 36:82.