Originally presented as the author's Thesis (doctoral)--Universität des Sarrlandes, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (p. [263]-273) and index.

The thesis deals with Tertullian's Apologeticum in contemporary context. The work is divided into four parts. The first part is dedicated to a brief description of author's time and life with emphasis on the difference between Apologeticum and his other works. The second part is about a complete interpretation of the text in which Tertullian defends Christian faith, argues with pagan accusations and suggests the role of Christians in a Roman society. This part also shows author's understanding of Christianity in relationship to paganism with an outcome that both groups are able to live together in peace. The third part is focused on current works of theologians and historians in which various aspects of Tertullian's work like innocence, grace or nature of true religion are depicted and discussed. Last but not least there are mentioned here the topics like question of God, his role for Roman emperors, pagans, but also for Christians who defend their way of life on principle of their belief. In the last part of the thesis I deal with the importance of Apologeticum for today's time. I concentrate mostly on the meaning we can derive from this work and how exactly we can transform his legacy into our daily life. My main findings in the evaluation of Tertullian's work in the context of today's times are...

Le présent mémoire propose d’examiner, d’une façon approfondie et innovatrice, le rapport entre les chrétiens et Marc-Aurèle à travers une analyse complète des sources à disposition, notamment celles historico-littéraires, épigraphiques, numismatiques et législatives. En particulier, l’on démontrera l’absence de fondement de l’image faite a posteriori de Marc-Aurèle en tant que protector christianorum dont le premier témoin, d'après nos connaissances, est Tertullien. L’on montrera, par le biais d’une analyse législative des sources à notre disposition qu’à l’époque de Marc-Aurèle il n’y avait aucune loi qui protégeait les chrétiens. Bien au contraire, les dispositions de Trajan étaient toujours valides. Par la suite, nous chercherons à trouver les véritables raisons de la politique de Marc-Aurèle envers les chrétiens à travers la comparaison entre la pensée médio-platonicienne de Justin et celle stoïcienne du princeps. L’interprétation philosophique de l’attitude à montrer face à la mort, nous donnera une clef de lecture pour pénétrer les raisons les plus profondes des violences et des procès que les chrétiens ont subis au cours de son principat. / This work aims to provide an original and thorough exploration of the relationship between Marcus Aurelius and the Christians by means of an in-depth analysis of the available historical, literary, epigraphic, numismatic, and legal sources. Specifically, it will show that the a posteriori view of Marcus Aurelius as protector Christianorum, apparently introduced by Tertullian, is unfounded. In support of this argument, a legal analysis of the available sources will show that, far from enjoying legal protection during the Principality of Marcus Aurelius, Christians were still subject to Trajan’s laws. The true reasons underlying the policy of Marcus Aurelius towards the Christians will be investigated by comparing the Middle Platonism of Justin Martyr with the stoic meditations of the princeps. In particular, the philosophical interpretation of the attitude deemed suitable in the face of death will provide an insight into the reasons that led to the wave of violence and to the trials of Christians under Marcus Aurelius’ rule.