The great Christian writer Tertullian was born in Roman-controlled Carthage, now better known as Tunisia. Around 200 AD he wrote the famous De spectaculis, a work outlining the failure of the system Roman morality based on gladiatorial games and the circus. Tertullian received a good education growing up and took part in “pagan” rituals such as sexual intercourse and observing gladiatorial games. However, when the Roman Empire began to execute Christians , felt compelled to become a Christian himself. Tertullian clearly pointed out in his essay that the failure of the games lay in idolatry and the belief that "you shall not kill". favor in the eyes of their god. The problem so clearly outlined by Tertullian is that Christians believe that if the Bible does not directly argue against something, it is by default okay to do so. Tertullian strongly disagrees that it is a waste of God's creation and the belief that they cannot offend God is ignorant. He even outlines it by quoting two of the Ten Commandments. Do not kill or worship false idols. When it comes to gladiatorial games, killing is obviously an important component, but many were confused about his view of idolatry. He states that by going to church we worship God. By going to the amphitheater we worship men. However, Tertullian was much more offended by the killing and martyrdom caused by the gladiatorial games. In one satire he stated that if we enjoy the spectacle of killing so much, then we will surely love the spectacle of the second coming of Christ. In which not only will all sinners be killed, but damned for eternity. Him at... middle of paper... Roman morality in the eyes of the first Roman Christians. By convincing them to repent and turn their backs on the games, he believes that they can all be forgiven by God. While it is still up for debate whether his debates brought about any change in the view of the games, it is clear that Tertullian was strongly opposed to them. In his eyes the “true” Christians turned their backs on the games and tried to take the non-Christian Romans with them to save them from the Judgment. Works Cited Tertullian: Read this first. Available at: http://www.tertullian.org/readfirst.htm [Accessed 6 April 2010].Tertullian: De spectaculis. Available at: http://www.tertullian.org/works/de_spectaculis.htm [Accessed 7 April 2010].Apology. De spectaculis. With an English translation... Available at: http://www.archive.org/stream/apologydespectac00tertuoft#page/268/mode/2up [Accessed April 8, 2010].