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Index
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
Abbreviations
Summary of Events
Map of Roman Africa
Key to Cities and Provinces in the Map
Introduction
Practice and Theology
A Theological School
A Practical Theology of the Church
Correlation with Practice
Archeological and Literary Evidence
Second and Third Centuries
Fourth and Fifth Centuries
The Vandal Era
The Byzantine Period
The Structure of This Book
1. Christianity in North Africa to Diocletian
Background
Geographical Spread
Persecution
180-249 c.e.
Persecution under Decius, 250/251 c.e.
Summary
The Orders
Implementation of the Orders
The Victims
Persecution under Gallus
Persecution under Valerian and Gallienus, 257-260 c.e.
Dionysius of Alexandria
Cyprian
Further Implementation
Disciplinary and Doctrinal Disputes
Christian Literature
2. The Christian Imperial Period: Diocletian to the Vandals
From Diocletian to Constantine
Diocletian’s Reforms
The Persecution of Christians
Constantine and His Sons
The Liberation of Christianity
Religious Non-Conformists
Manichees
Novatianists
Tertullianists
Donatists
Julian to the Vandals
Stability Once More
Destabilization and Suppression
Renewed Conflict between Caecilianists and Donatists
The Pelagian Controversy
Arians and Vandals
3. Fifth-Century Conflicts: Vandal Arians and African Nicenes
The Vandal Conquest of Roman Africa
The Vandal Kingdom in Africa
The Religious Conflict
Vandal Arianism
Repression of Nicene Christianity
The Vandal Imprint
Byzantine Africa
Justinian’s Conquest
Byzantine Orthodoxy
African Resistance to Justinian
Donatism
The Final Debate
Arab Africa
4. Survey of the Archeological Evidence for Christian Practice
History and Overview of the Evidence
Types of Ecclesial Structures
Dating the Remains
Characteristics of African Basilicas
Liturgical Furniture (Altars, Screens, and Pulpits)
Baptismal Architecture
Multiple Baptisteries in a Single Urban Area
Baptistery Placement and Construction
Font Shapes, Sizes, and Depths
Mosaic Decoration of Baptisteries and Fonts
Additional Structures and Apparatus
Archeological Evidence Pertaining to the Cult of Saints
Burial ad Sanctos
Architectural Evidence for Christian Burial
Cemeteries and Cemetery Churches
Funerary Banquet or Offering Tables (Mensae)
Mosaic Tomb Covers
Ecclesial Structures in Selected Cities
Basilica of Castellum Tingitanum (Chlef or Orléansville)
The Churches of Carthage
The Caecilianist Cathedral of Carthage
Basilica Maiorum
Memoria Cypriani (Basilica of the Mappalia)
The Churches of Sufetula
The Church of Bellator
The Chapel of Jucundus
The Basilica of Vitalis
The Church of Servus
The Basilica (or Martyrium) of Saints Sylvanius and Fortunatus
The Basilica of Saints Gervasius, Protasius, and Tryphon
Other Basilicas
The Chapel of Bishop Honorius (in the Region of Sufetula)
The Ecclesial Complex at Hippo Regius
The Baptistery at Hippo Regius
Thamugadi and the Cathedral of Optatus
Conclusion
5. Becoming a Christian: The Ritual of Baptism
Introduction
Baptismal Practice in Tertullian’s Time
The Rejection of Idolatry
The Catechumenate
The Ritual
Age of Candidates for Baptism
Ministers of the Sacrament
Baptism in Extraordinary Circumstances
Baptismal Space, Time, and Elements
Images of Baptism: Biblical Typologies
Disputed Issues
Irregular or Heretical Baptism
The Baptism of John
Repeating Baptism
Baptism and Martyrdom
Conclusion
Baptism in Cyprian’s Time
The Ritual
Infant Baptism
The Worthy Minister
Baptism and Martyrdom
Emergency Baptism
Images of Baptism
Baptismal Spaces
The Maternal Church
Disputed Issues
The Power to Baptize
The Rebaptism Controversy
Conclusion
Baptism in the Treatise on Rebaptism
The Ritual
Contribution to the Controversy
Conclusion
The Controversy over Baptism in the Fourth Century
The Donatist Schism
Optatus of Milevis
The Revolt against Primian
Conclusion
Baptism in Augustine’s Time
The Ritual
Enrollment of Catechumens
Lenten Preparation
Holy Week and Baptism at the Easter Vigil
The Baptismal Washing
Anointing and Imposition of Hands
Entrance into the Church
Subsequent Instruction
Foot Washing
Infant Baptism
Emergency Baptism
Ministers of the Sacrament
A Theology of Baptism
Conclusion
General Observations
Correlation of Archeological and Literary Evidence
The Decoration of Fonts
Shapes, Sizes, and Depths of Fonts
Placement of Baptisteries
Multiple Fonts
Privacy of the Ritual
Correlation of Theology and Practice
Rebaptism
The Power to Sanctify
Unity of the Ritual
Baptism of Infants
Transition
6. Living in Peace: The Celebration of Word and Eucharist
Introduction
Word and Eucharist in Tertullian’s Time
The Ritual
Readings
Prayer
Kiss of Peace
Offering
Times of Celebration
The Evening Agapē
The Morning Ritual
Presiders
Food Elements
Additional Issues
Purity
Excommunication
Conclusion
Word and Eucharist in Cyprian’s Time
The Ritual
Readings
Prayer and Kiss of Peace
Offering
Evening Agapē and Morning Assembly
Presiders
Food Elements
Additional Issues
Priesthood and Sacrifice
Eucharist and Martyrdom
Excommunication
Purity
Images of the Eucharist
Conclusion
Word and Eucharist in Augustine’s Time
The Ritual
Entrance Procession
Readings and Preaching
Dismissal
Prayers
Presentation and Preparation of Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer and Distribution
Ending
Daily Eucharist
The Lectionary
Preaching
The Congregation
Fasting before Eucharist
Eucharistic Theology
Theology of Priesthood
Theology of Preaching
Conclusion
General Observations
Correlation of Archeological and Literary Evidence
Church Furnishings
Correlation of Theology and Practice
From Evening Agapē to Morning Eucharist
Eucharist as Sacrifice
Preaching and Predestination
The Role of the Clergy
Transition
7. Keeping the Church Pure: Excluding and Readmitting Sinners
Introduction
The Practice of Penance in Tertullian’s Time
Structure of the Ritual
Using the Ritual of Repentance
Access to the Ritual
Withholding the Ritual
The Penitential Works
Forgiveness through Martyrdom
The Development of Penitential Discipline
The New Prophecy
Episcopal Innovation
The Power to Forgive Sins
Conclusion
The Practice of Penance in Cyprian’s Time
The Ritual of Penance
Using the Ritual of Penance
Reconciliation of Penitents before Death
Alternate Forms of Penance
Repentance by the Clergy
Forgiveness through Martyrdom
The Forgiveness of Daily Sins
The Power of the Church to Forgive Sins
The Authority and Power of the Bishop
Integration into the Community
The Communion of the Church
The Purity of the Church
Conclusion
The Donatist Practice of Penance
The Practice of Penance in Augustine’s Time
Types of Sin
Rebuke and Correction
The Rituals: Daily Private Penance
The Rituals: Formal Public Penance
The Rituals: Penance Performed in Secret
The Rituals: Reception of Those Baptized without True Conversion
Penance for the Clergy
Penitential Works
The Necessity of the Ritual of Reconciliation
The Power to Forgive and the Efficacy of Penance
Intercession of the Martyrs
Conclusion
General Observations
Correlation of Archeological and Literary Evidence
Placement of the Penitents
Correlation of Theology and Practice
The Power to Forgive Sins
Sins the Church Could Not Forgive
Ritualizing Repentance
The Rituals of Reconciliation
Transition
8. Leadership: The Clergy and the Sacrament of Orders
Introduction
The Clergy in Tertullian’s Time
Clerical Ranks
Clerical Life
Clergy as Governing Officers
Status of Martyrs and Confessors
Spiritual Prophets
Lay Elders
Conclusion
The Clergy in Cyprian’s Time
Clerical Offices
Subdeacons, Acolytes, Readers, and Exorcists
Deacons
Presbyters
Bishops
Electing and Rejecting a Bishop
Authority of the Bishop
Appointment and Discipline of Other Clergy
The Martyrs
Prophets and Visionaries
Lay Elders
Apostolic Succession and the Episcopal College
Episcopal Synods
Primate Bishops
Conclusion
The Clergy during the Fourth Century
The Donatist Schism
Clerical Office
Lay Elders
Episcopal Synods
Orders as a Sacrament
Assimilating Schismatic Clergy
Conclusion
The Clergy in Augustine’s Time
Clerical Offices
Doorkeepers
Acolytes
Readers
Subdeacons
Deacons
Presbyters
Bishops
Lay Elders
The Selection and Ordination of Clergy
Clerical Life
The Organization of the Episcopate
Provincial Organization
Structure of the African Church
Disciplining Clerics
The Sacrament of Orders and the Status of the Clergy
The Sacrament of Orders
Theology of the Episcopate
The Status of the Clergy
Conclusion
General Observations
Correlation of Archeological and Literary Evidence
Correlation of Theology and Practice
Authority and Power
Acceptance of Schismatic Clergy
Episcopal College
Conclusion
9. Forms of Christian Life: Marriage, Virginity, and Widowhood
Introduction
Marital Practice in Tertullian’s Time
The Rituals
Virginity
Widowhood
Theology of Marriage
Conclusion
Marital Practice in Cyprian’s Time
The Rituals
Family Life
Virginity
Widowhood
Conclusion
Marital Practice in Augustine’s Time
Forms of Marriage
Family Relationships
Virginity
Widowhood
Theology of Marriage
The Unity of Human Society
Procreation
The Competition of the Ages
The Bond of Marriage
The Sacrament or Sign
Theology of Virginity
Theology of Widowhood
Conclusion
General Observations
Correlation of Archeological and Literary Evidence
Correlation of Theology and Practice
The Bond of Unity and the Generation of Children
Integrating Consecrated Virgins into the Church
The Changing Status of Widows
Conclusion
10. The Ending of Christian Life: Death and Burial
Introduction
The Rituals of Death in Tertullian’s Time
Preparation for Death
The Rituals of Burial
The Condition of the Dead
Conclusion
The Rituals of Death in Cyprian’s Time
Mortality
Preparation for Death
Burial
Mourning and Commemorating the Dead
The Condition of the Dead
Conclusion
The Rituals of Dying in Augustine’s Time
Mortality
Preparation for Death
The Funeral Ritual
Mourning
Tombs
The Condition of the Dead
Commemoration of the Dead
Conclusion
General Observations
Correlation of Archeological and Literary Evidence
Correlation of Theology and Practice
Prayer for the Dead
Tombs and the Resurrection
Transition
11. Honoring the Victorious Heroes: The Cult of the Martyrs
Introduction
Martyrs before Systematic Persecution
Systematic Persecution in Cyprian’s Time
The Diocletian Persecution
Acta and Passiones of the Martyrs
Relics
Burial ad Sanctos
Shrines
Dedications
Conclusion
The Fifth and Following Centuries
Calendar of Festivals
Festivals
Purpose of the Cult
True and False Martyrs
Burial ad Sanctos
Miracles at the Shrines
Conclusion
General Observations
Correlation of Archeological and Literary Evidence
Correlation of Theology and Practice
Role of the Martyrs
True and False Martyrdom
The Martyr’s Victory
Adaptation of the Meaning of Witness to Christ
12. Pious Practices of Christian Living
Introduction
Praying Together and Alone
Tertullian
Cyprian
Augustine
Conclusion
Controlling Bodily Appetite by Fasting
Tertullian
Cyprian
Augustine
The Practice of Fasting
The Meaning of Fasting
Conclusion
Sharing Property and Income
Tertullian
Cyprian
Augustine
Conclusion
Confessing Christ
Tertullian
Prohibited Practices
Accepted Practices
Disputed Practices
Cyprian
Prohibited Practices
Accepted Practices
Fourth-Century Witnesses
Augustine
Disputed Practices
Prohibited Practices
Recommended Practices
Conclusion
General Observations
Correlation of Archeological and Literary Evidence
Correlation of Theology and Practice
Prayer
Fasting
Almsgiving
Confessing Christ
13. The Church and Its Holiness
Introduction
Tertullian: Rejecting Idolatry and Adhering to Christ
Cyprian: Rejecting Schism in a United Church
The Donatists: Rejecting Apostasy in a Pure Church
Optatus of Milevis: Divine Operation Sanctifies Christians
Augustine: Christ Sanctifies His Ecclesial Body
Controversial Writings
Pastoral Writings
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index of Persons and Groups
Index of Places and Monuments
Index of Subjects
Inserts
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