The Five Books Against Marcion — Book 1, Chapter 12

2

The word cause throughout this chapter is used in the popular, inaccurate sense, which almost confounds it with effect, the “causa cognoscendi,” as distinguished from the “causa essendi,” the strict cause.

3

The word “res” is throughout this argument used strictly by Tertullian; it refers to “the thing” made by God—that product of His creative energy which affords to us evidence of His existence. We have translated it “proof” for want of a better word.

4

The “tanquam sit,” in its subjunctive form, seems to refer to the concession indicated at the outset of the chapter.

5

Omnino sine causa.

6

Illum, i.e., Marcion’s god.

7

Captare.

8

Deum ex operum auctoritate formatum.

9

Non statim ratione, on a priori grounds.

10

i.e., Marcion’s god.

11

Compare Rom. i. 20, a passage which is quite subversive of Marcion’s theory.

Book 1 · Chapter 12

Chapter XII.—Impossibility of Acknowledging God Without This External Evidence Of His Existence. Marcion’s Rejection of Such Evidence for His God Savours of Impudence and Malignity.

Notes