Podcast Summary: "Tertullian of Carthage with Dr. Chance Bonar"

Podcast Information:

• Title: This Guy Sucked
• Host: Dr. Claire Aubin
• Episode: Tertullian of Carthage with Dr. Chance Bonar (Patreon Preview)
• Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction

In this Patreon preview episode of "This Guy Sucked," host Dr. Claire Aubin introduces historian Dr. Chance Bonar to discuss the life and impact of Tertullian of Carthage, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in early Christian history. The episode aims to shed light on historical figures whose legacies warrant critical examination, aligning with the show's mission to highlight that "it's never too late to have haters."

Pre-Show Segment: Early Christian Thinkers as Online Personalities ([00:00] - [09:36])

Dr. Aubin begins the episode with a lighthearted exercise, challenging Dr. Bonar to categorize early Christian authors into contemporary online personality types: podcaster, Twitter poster, blogger, or TikToker. This segment serves to humanize these historical figures, making them relatable to modern audiences.

• Ignatius of Antioch ([02:51] - [03:24]): Dr. Bonar classifies Ignatius as a blogger, highlighting his extensive letter-writing, even in the face of martyrdom.

  "Ignatius is a guy who's, like, writing a bunch of letters to people even as he's, like, literally being arrested and taken to Rome to be martyred. He's like, hey, so don't worry about me at all." ([02:57])

• Augustine of Hippo ([03:31] - [04:17]): Augustine is deemed a podcaster due to his prolific output and wide-ranging theological discussions. Dr. Bonar humorously references Augustine's "Confessions" and his comprehensive works.

  "Augustine's hard because he's so damn prolific." ([03:31])

• Justin Martyr ([04:46] - [05:22]): Justin is classified as a Twitter poster, focusing on his argumentative dialogues to defend Christianity.

  "Justin's kind of a Twitter poster, in a way." ([04:46])

• Irenaeus of Leon ([05:37] - [06:24]): Irenaeus fits between a Twitter poster and a TikToker, owing to his extensive critiques and varied communication styles.

  "Irenaeus falls somewhere between Twitter poster and at time Tiktoker." ([05:38])

• John Chrysostom ([06:37] - [07:40]): John Chrysostom is likened to a right-wing conspiracy post blogger, emphasizing his hostile sermons and targeted audience.

  "Johnny is like a right wing conspiracy post blogger." ([07:05])

• Jerome ([07:45] - [08:25]): Jerome is identified as a podcaster, given his efforts to make the Bible accessible in Latin and his conservative stance.

  "Jerome also falls under podcaster." ([07:45])

The segment concludes with a humorous acknowledgment of the extensive list of early Christian figures, setting the stage for a deeper dive into Tertullian.

Main Topic: Tertullian of Carthage ([09:36] - [17:57])

Introduction to Tertullian ([09:36] - [11:02])

Dr. Aubin admits her unfamiliarity with Tertullian, expressing excitement and anticipation for Dr. Bonar to elucidate his significance. She humorously anticipates moments of confusion and learning opportunities for both herself and the listeners.

Who Was Tertullian? ([11:02] - [13:20])

Dr. Bonar provides a comprehensive overview of Tertullian's life and contributions:

• Timeframe: Born circa 155–160 CE and died between 220–240 CE in Carthage, a Roman province in modern-day Tunisia.
• Titles: Known as the "Father of Latin Christianity" and the "Father of Western Theology," Tertullian was instrumental in shaping early Christian thought in the Latin West.
• Contributions: He played a pivotal role in formulating the doctrine of the Trinity and influenced Augustine's concept of original sin.

  "He contributes to Augustine's concept of original sin." ([12:00])

Dr. Aubin emphasizes the enduring impact of Tertullian, noting that his theological foundations continue to influence billions today, especially in Western societies shaped by Christianity.

Historical Context and Background ([13:20] - [16:05])

The discussion delves into the challenges of pinpointing precise dates in ancient history, highlighting the reliance on contemporaneous writings and records:

• Education and Skills: Tertullian was a highly educated orator and lawyer, excelling in rhetoric, which was crucial for his theological debates and writings.
• Conversion: He converted to Christianity around 190 CE, in his 30s or early 40s, embodying the vigor and passion often found in converts.

Dr. Bonar also touches upon Tertullian's heritage, suggesting he may have had indigenous African or Berber roots in addition to his Roman lineage, adding depth to his identity and perspectives.

"He's a podcaster, but he has a following of like three people, but, like, puts out an episode a day for them." ([11:35])

Significance and Legacy ([16:05] - [17:57])

Tertullian's full name, Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus, underscores his Roman identity despite his African origins. Dr. Aubin draws parallels between Tertullian and contemporary figures like Jordan Peterson, illustrating how historical figures can have complex legacies that resonate through time.

"He is the Jordan Peterson where you're... you were working, you were writing all these things... you took truly a turn for the worse in this." ([08:27])

The segment concludes with Dr. Aubin reaffirming her reliance on Dr. Bonar's expertise to navigate the complexities of Tertullian's life and influence.

Conclusion

This preview episode effectively sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Tertullian of Carthage, blending humor with scholarly insight. Dr. Claire Aubin's candid admission of her limited knowledge complements Dr. Chance Bonar's expertise, promising a compelling and informative discussion for listeners interested in the less-examined facets of early Christian history.

To listen to the full, ad-free episode, subscribers are encouraged to visit patreon.com/thisguysucked.