False Positive for Schism: Cyprian, Church Unity, and the Imperial Metamorphosis of Ecclesiology
Cyprian’s treatise, On the Unity of the Church , is a fascinating window into mid-3rd Century Church dynamics. Written in 251, it immediately followed upon the heels of the recently enthroned Roman emperor Decius’ persecution of Christians. The persecution lasted for over a year, ending with the fortuitous death of Decius himself. Briefly, and without putting too fine a point on it, what caused the Christians to be persecuted was that they, along with all other Roman citizens (Jews being exempted), were to give ritual, sacrificial tribute to Decius, one which included the acknowledging of the validity of the pagan gods. Many faithful Christians died for refusal to comply, a good number went into hiding, and another number lapsed in their faith by participating in the sacrificial tribute. Among those who lapsed in their faith, many sought readmittance into the Church. This created no small controversy, with a famous presbyter and theologian named Novatian famously speaking out aga...