Tertullian was a Christian theologian and a leading critic of Rome's efforts to persecute Christians. Tertullian lived in a time when Christians were commonly persecuted by the Romans simply for not conforming to the “norms” of the empire. Tertullian believes that Christians should denounce Greek and Roman traditions because; he considers Roman leaders to be tyrannical, there is a Roman law requiring the gods to be "approved" by the senate, and he believes that the Romans allowed their women to behave inappropriately. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay One reason Tertullian believes Christians should denounce Greek and Roman tradition is that he sees Roman leaders as tyrannical. An example of this in the text is when he states “your sentences: “It is not lawful for you to exist,” and rigorously without hesitation you enjoin their execution, exhibit the violence and unjust rule of mere tyranny.” (Tertullian 3) This shows how upset Tertullian was by the Romans' actions towards his fellow Christians. Tertullian also goes on to say, "No, a law is strongly suspected which does not care to be proved and approved: it is a positively evil law, if, unproved, it tyrannizes over men." (Tertullian 3) Speaking about the Roman law that prohibits Christians from appealing against crimes committed against them. These examples show how Tertullian believed that Roman leaders were tyrannical and therefore not something to emulate. Another reason why Tertullian believed that Christians should denounce Roman tradition is the Roman law that no god should be consecrated by the emperor without first being approved by the senate. Tertullian finds this unsatisfactory because he believes it detracts from a god's divinity from having to be "approved." He even goes so far as to say: “among you the divinity is assigned to the judgment of human beings. If the gods do not satisfy men, there will be no divinization for them." (Tertullian 4) This statement shows how upset Tertullian is by the idea that a god must be “approved” by certain people. This law is an example of how Tertullian believes Christians should denounce Roman traditions. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The third reason why Tertullian believes that Christians should denounce rather than adopt Greek and Roman tradition is that he believes that the Romans allow their women to behave in a way that he deems inappropriate. For example, in Tertullian's Apology, he states: “Now women have every member of their body laden with gold; wine drinking is so common among them, that kissing is never offered with their will; and as for divorce, they aspire to it as if it were the natural consequence of marriage." (Tertullian 6) Obviously as a Christian, Tertullian would consider these actions of any woman, but especially married women, extremely offensive. Another example of Tertullian's disgust on this subject is when he states, "Now I see no difference between the dress of matrons and that of prostitutes." (Tertullian 6). By calling “respectable” Roman women prostitutes, Tertullian demonstrates his absolute contempt for the Roman people and therefore his resistance to the adoption of their traditions by Christians. These are the reasons why Tertullian believes that Christians must denounce Greek and Roman traditions.