Autor: Lonergan, Bernard J. F.

Buch: The Way to Nicea

Titel: The Way to Nicea

Stichwort: Tertullian, Monarchie

Kurzinhalt: But if he who is the monarch has a son, and if the son is given a share in the monarchy, this does not mean that the monarchy is automatically divided ...

Textausschnitt: 46b Thus Tertullian conceived the unity of God. Of the divine monarchy he has this to say:

"... But I say that there is no power and dominion that is so much that of a single person, so much his alone, so much a monarchy, that it is not also administered by other persons, close to him, whom he has appointed as his officials. But if he who is the monarch has a son, and if the son is given a share in the monarchy, this does not mean that the monarchy is automatically divided, ceasing to be a monarchy. For the monarchy belongs principally to him by whom it was communicated to the son and, being exercised by two who are so closely united with each other, it remains a monarchy ... But pay attention, I beg you, to the meaning rather than the sound of the words I use. A monarchy is overthrown only when another power, of equal condition and degree, and thus a rival, comes forward, as when Marcion introduces a second god, in opposition to the Creator, or when Valentinus and his followers, and Prodicus and his, bring in their many gods. Then indeed is the monarchy overthrown and the Creator destroyed".8 (Fs)