More Problems with Tertullian: Unpacking the Reliability of His Testimony on Marcionism
Tertullian's Unreliable Quotations
Geoffrey Dunn highlights several critical points about Tertullian's use of the Gospel of Luke, which cast doubt on his reliability:
Inconsistent Textual Fidelity:
- Tertullian frequently offers his own translations of scriptural texts, which are often distinct from existing Old Latin versions. This indicates a lack of consistency in how he quoted scripture, suggesting that he may not have adhered strictly to a single source.
- In some instances, Tertullian’s translations agree with African Old Latin versions, but he did not always follow these texts slavishly, sometimes correcting or improving them with reference to a Greek text. This selective adherence further complicates the task of determining which text he was using at any given time.
Memory-Based Quotations:
- Tertullian often quoted scripture from memory, leading to inaccuracies. His tendency to recall texts imperfectly means that his citations cannot always be taken at face value.
- Aalders’ research underscores this point, noting that Tertullian’s quotations were sometimes a mix of synoptic gospels, reflecting his faulty memory rather than a precise textual reference.
Use of Marcion’s Gospel:
- In "Against Marcion," Tertullian aimed to use Marcion’s own version of Luke against him. However, it is unclear whether he had access to Marcion’s gospel in Greek or a Latin translation. This ambiguity makes it difficult to ascertain the exact nature of the text Tertullian was refuting.
- Some scholars argue that Tertullian used a Latin translation of Marcion’s gospel, while others believe he translated directly from the Greek with reference to existing Latin versions. This dual possibility further muddles the textual evidence.
The Naive Approach to Marcionite Gospel Reconstruction
Given Tertullian’s inconsistent and unreliable use of texts, the approach of reconstructing Marcion’s gospel solely based on his citations is fundamentally flawed. Scholars often assume that Tertullian’s references to Luke and the Pauline Epistles in his polemics against Marcion reflect the Marcionite recension. However, this assumption overlooks several critical issues:
Selective Quotation for Polemical Purposes:
- Tertullian’s primary goal was to discredit Marcion. He used selective quotations and polemical arguments that may not accurately represent Marcion’s original texts. This selective use means that Tertullian’s citations cannot be assumed to be complete or faithful reproductions of Marcion’s gospel.
Improvisational Tendencies:
- Tertullian’s habit of quoting from memory and mixing synoptic gospels suggests that he was not concerned with precise textual accuracy. This improvisational approach makes it highly unlikely that his citations of Marcion’s texts are reliable.
Alternative Possibilities:
- Scholars like D. S. Williams have proposed that some of Tertullian’s variations might result from his use of a harmonized text rather than faulty memory. If Tertullian was using a gospel harmony, this would further complicate efforts to distinguish Marcion’s original text from Tertullian’s polemical adaptations.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
The study of Marcionism requires a careful and critical approach, especially when dealing with sources like Tertullian. The naive notion that we can simply piece together Marcion’s gospel from Tertullian’s citations is untenable. Scholars must acknowledge the layers of bias, selective quotation, and textual inconsistency in Tertullian’s writings.
To gain a more accurate understanding of Marcionism, it is essential to consider the broader context of early Christian texts and to use a variety of sources. By doing so, we can move beyond the simplistic and flawed reconstructions that have dominated the field and develop a more nuanced and reliable picture of Marcion and his teachings.
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