Tertullian's views of gender, baptism, and martyrdom through the examples of Thecla and Perpetua

Abstract

Using mainly textual analysis, this thesis examines Tertullian's views of gender, baptism, and martyrdom by studying his differing reactions to the martyrs Thecla and Perpetua. Tertullian was the first write to make reference to both of these women. Considering Tertullian was the only church father to disparage Thecla, discovering the reasons behind this rejection will allow for a greater understanding of the issues that he sees as most important in his church. It will be made clear that the events in the Thecla narrative are in opposition to Tertullian's central beliefs about how he expects Christian women to behave, whereas Perpetua's actions confirm Tertullian's ideals.