Promotionsarbeit--Heidelberg. / Bibliography: p. [146]-153.

This study traced Tertullian’s utilisation of history (or historical material) as a rhetorical instrument in one of his earliest works, the Ad Nationes. An in-depth analysis of the book identified this as a fundamental trajectory in the argument of Tertullian. The study casts a new perspective on the written work of this renowned Christian apologist and theologian. His use of history particularly to substantiate his arguments was compared with the contemporary primary sources, in order to assess the integrity or accuracy of his historical data. The prevailing rhetoric, as e.g. outlined by Quintilian, valued the message and intention of a text higher than the historical accuracy of the account. The same Quintilian, however, emphasized that historical accuracy would guarantee the message and intention of a text. The research concluded that Tertullian, who enjoyed a classical education and was therefore well acquainted with the rules of rhetoric, did pay sufficient attention to Quintilian’s insistence on historical accuracy in his utilisation of history. Tertullian was well aware of the significance of historical accuracy. On occasion he rightly criticised Tacitus (the famous historian) for historical inaccuracies in his work. In his Apologeticus (in which much of the Ad Nationes was reworked) he corrected some historical data. In the Ad Nationes he wrote a brilliant paragraph on the origin of rumours (fama) and also expressed his appreciation for careful investigation (in court procedures) in order to ascertain the truth (veritas) accurately. In the rhetorical utilisation of historical material, accurate historical knowledge did not play a crucial role. Of paramount importance was the intention and purpose of the immediate argument. / Thesis (MA (Latin))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

Religious conversion is an interesting phenomenon that crosses religious beliefs. This phenomenon intersects with many various disciplines, from medicine through the scientific disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, religious studies, psychology and theology. Religious conversion may on the one hand be a demonstration of deep spiritual experience and on the other, the result of strong pressure from others. We can get closer to the truth only through the authentic testimonies of the converts. This is why I have chosen the theme of the religious conversion in the context of "pure experience". We can see differences among conversions to various religions. But it is necessary to say, that I am interested in conversion to Christianity. But the Christianity of two thousand years ago is not the Christianity of today. The Apostle Paul joined a marginal movement at a time when such acceptance was punishable by death. Today, however, converts have joined millions of faithful around the whole world. And this is why religious conversion to Christianity is a lively phenomenon. In my thesis I would like to clarify the question: "What is religious conversion?" Is it a manifestation of the power of God, or is it a clearly human decision? Has the conversion some connection with the social environment, or is...

This study traced Tertullian’s utilisation of history (or historical material) as a rhetorical instrument in one of his earliest works, the Ad Nationes. An in-depth analysis of the book identified this as a fundamental trajectory in the argument of Tertullian. The study casts a new perspective on the written work of this renowned Christian apologist and theologian. His use of history particularly to substantiate his arguments was compared with the contemporary primary sources, in order to assess the integrity or accuracy of his historical data. The prevailing rhetoric, as e.g. outlined by Quintilian, valued the message and intention of a text higher than the historical accuracy of the account. The same Quintilian, however, emphasized that historical accuracy would guarantee the message and intention of a text. The research concluded that Tertullian, who enjoyed a classical education and was therefore well acquainted with the rules of rhetoric, did pay sufficient attention to Quintilian’s insistence on historical accuracy in his utilisation of history. Tertullian was well aware of the significance of historical accuracy. On occasion he rightly criticised Tacitus (the famous historian) for historical inaccuracies in his work. In his Apologeticus (in which much of the Ad Nationes was reworked) he corrected some historical data. In the Ad Nationes he wrote a brilliant paragraph on the origin of rumours (fama) and also expressed his appreciation for careful investigation (in court procedures) in order to ascertain the truth (veritas) accurately. In the rhetorical utilisation of historical material, accurate historical knowledge did not play a crucial role. Of paramount importance was the intention and purpose of the immediate argument. / Thesis (MA (Latin))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012