Novatian (2XX - 258) was a scholar and antipope who held the title between 251 and 258.
A noted theologian and writer, at a time when there was much debate about how to deal with Christians who had lapsed and wished to return, and the issue of penance. Consecrated as pope by three bishops in 251, and adopted a more rigorous position than the established Pope, Cornelius. Novatian was shortly afterwards excommunicated: the schismatic church which he established persisted for several centuries (see Novatianism). Novatian fled during a period of persecutions, and may have been a martyr.
He and his followers were excommunicated by a synod held at Rome in October of the same year.
Novatian was the first Roman Christian who wrote to any considerable extent in Latin.
Those who allied themselves with the doctrines of Novatian were called Novatianists; their own name for themselves was the καθεροι, the pure, reflecting their claim not to be participants in the lax practices of the Catholics by which they believed the Catholic church to have been corrupted.
The paralogism of the Novatians in wresting the words of the Apostle examined.
There are other passages, from a misinterpretation of which the Novatians of old extracted materials for their heresy; so much so, that some good men taking offense at their harshness, have deemed the Epistle altogether spurious, though it truly savors in every part of it of the apostolic spirit.
Casting off, as interpreted by the Novatians, is when any one, notwithstanding of being taught by the Law of the Lord not to steal or commit adultery, refrains not from theft or adultery.
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