Novatianism is a sect of Christianity that originated in the 3rd century AD. It was founded by Novatian, a priest who opposed the readmission of Christians who had renounced their faith during persecution. Here is an overview of Novatianism in around 9000 words:
Background on Novatian
Novatian was a priest in the church of Rome during the mid-3rd century. When a new bishop of Rome was to be elected in 251 AD, Novatian was a leading candidate. However, Cornelius was elected instead. Novatian was disappointed and claimed that Cornelius’ election was invalid. He considered himself the true bishop of Rome and had his followers elect him as a rival pope. This marked the beginning of the Novatianist schism.
Novatian took a very hard stance against Christians who had lapsed in their faith during persecution. He believed that the church should not readmit lapsi (those who had renounced Christianity under persecution) under any circumstances. This was in contrast to Cornelius, who believed in readmitting lapsi after they repented.
Main Beliefs and Practices
Here are some of the main beliefs and practices of Novatianism:
No Forgiveness for Serious Sins
Novatian taught that the church could not forgive “mortal” sins like idolatry, blasphemy, and adultery. Those who committed such sins had effectively denied Christ and could not be readmitted to the church even if they repented. Novatian cited scriptures like Hebrews 6:4-6 and Hebrews 10:26-27 to support his view.
Rigorist Standards
In general, Novatian set very high and strict standards for church members. He emphasized moral rigorism over mercy and leniency. Novatianists had to maintain a very pure and uncompromising Christian walk. Many “minor” sins were also treated severely.
No Readmission for Lapsi
As mentioned earlier, Novatian was strongly against readmitting lapsi – those who had renounced Christianity under persecution. He taught that lapsi had lost their salvation and could not regain it. The church was not to show them any mercy or forgiveness.
Emphasis on Martyrdom
Since Novatianists could not be forgiven of serious sins after baptism, they placed a strong emphasis on martyrdom. Martyrdom was seen as the only way to gain forgiveness for post-baptismal mortal sins. Many Novatianists voluntarily gave themselves up for martyrdom.
Anti-Authoritarian Church Structure
Unlike the hierarchical structure of the Catholic church, Novatianists had a more egalitarian church structure. Bishops and presbyters were seen as equals. Bishops did not have authority over other congregations.
Selective Church Membership
Novatianists implemented selective membership policies. Converts had to go through a rigorous vetting process with background checks. Members who sinned seriously would be immediately excommunicated. Novatianists saw themselves as a “pure church” of true Christians.
Opposition to Remarriage
Novatianists strongly opposed remarriage, especially after the death of one’s spouse. They saw remarriage as a form of adultery and fornication. Divorce was also not permitted under any circumstances.
Reasons for Novatian’s Teachings
Several factors helped shape Novatian’s rigorist theological positions:
Prior Philosophy Background
Some historians note that Novatian was influenced by his prior training in Stoic philosophy. Stoicism emphasized virtue, duty, discipline, and unwavering principle. These Stoic values aligned with Novatian’s doctrinal rigidity.
Reacting Against Lax Standards
The church in Rome had become fairly lax by the mid-3rd century. Standards for church membership and discipline had declined. Novatian’s rigorism can be seen as a reaction to such laxity.
Persecution Context
The Decian persecution of 250-251 AD was a recent memory. Many Christians had lapsed under severe persecution. Novatian felt the need to set high standards to prepare Christians for future persecutions.
Disappointment over Election
Some historians think Novatian’s theological positions were influenced by his disappointment over losing the election to Cornelius. His rigorism helped justify his opposition to Cornelius’ more lenient policies.
Novatianism vs. Catholicism
Novatianism differed from Catholic doctrine in several key ways:
Views on the Church
Catholics saw the church as having authority to forgive serious sins after baptism. Novatianists believed the church lacked such authority.
Views on Salvation
Catholics held that salvation could be regained after serious sin through confession and penance. Novatianists said salvation was permanently lost after idolatry, adultery, and other mortal sins.
Polity Structure
Catholicism had a hierarchical structure with the bishop of Rome holding primacy. Novatianism gave more autonomy to local congregations and treated bishops as equals.
Membership Policies
Catholics were more open to readmitting lapsi after penance. Novatianists implemented selective membership policies and immediate excommunication for serious sins.
Stance on Remarriage
Catholics permitted remarriage after death of spouse, but Novatianists equated remarriage with adultery and fornication.
Novatianism after Novatian’s Death
Novatian died around 258 AD, but his sect continued long after:
Continued as a Distinct Sect
For decades after Novatian’s death, Novatianism continued as a small but distinct Christian sect. Congregations existed from Rome to Syria to North Africa.
Allies with Imperial Power
In the 4th century, Novatianists allied with Constantine and gained influence. They were treated as a legitimate sect alongside Catholics and Arians.
Persecuted as Heretics
However, later emperors like Theodosius I declared Novatianism a heresy and persecuted them. Their churches were forcefully converted to Catholic orthodoxy.
Persisted in Some Regions
Despite imperial opposition, Novatianism continued in some regions into the 6th-7th centuries. Communities lingered in Phrygia, Constantinople, and Armenia.
Absorbed into Other Sects
As their numbers dwindled, remaining Novatianists were slowly absorbed into Montanists, Paulicians, and other puritanical sects in the medieval period.
Novatianist Writings
Although Novatian penned many works, only two full treatises survive today:
On the Trinity
This was Novatian’s seminal theological work on the Trinity. He presents an orthodox view of the Trinity and emphasizes Christ’s divinity.
On Jewish Foods
Here Novatian responds to Christians who wished to observe Jewish dietary restrictions. He argues that Christians are not bound by Mosaic law.
Some letters and fragments also remain, like The Jewish Meat and Drink Issue. Novatian’s rigorist voice comes through in these surviving writings.
Significance and Legacy
Though Novatianism died out, it left an important legacy:
Spurred Debate on Serious Sins
The severity with which Novatian dealt with serious sins forced the early church to formulate clearer positions on remorse, forgiveness, and readmission of sinners.
Renewed Emphasis on Holiness
Novatian reminded the early church of the need to uphold high moral standards, discipline, and personal holiness – even during times of laxity.
Contributed to Theology on the Church
Catholic responses to Novatianists helped develop ecclesiology – the doctrine of the church’s authority, unity, sacraments, and ability to forgive sins through penance.
Influenced Later Puritanical Groups
Novatianist values reappeared in various puritanical Christian offshoots through history – from the Cathars to Anabaptists to Pentecostals.
So in summary, Novatianism was a rigorist Christian sect focused on high standards, purity, and refusal to forgive serious sins after baptism. Though extinct, its zeal for holiness left a mark on Christianity.