Writings in Connection with the Donatist Controversy

A theological work written in the early 5th century. The text addresses the significant schism in the early Christian church known as the Donatist controversy, which debated the validity of sacraments performed by those considered heretics or schismatics. Augustine defends the Catholic Church's position on baptism, emphasizing the importance of unity and the validity of sacraments regardless of the minister's standing. The beginning of this work outlines the historical context of the Donatist schism, detailing its origins from a conflict in the early church following the persecution under Diocletian. Augustine begins to articulate his arguments against the Donatists, focusing on the nature of baptism and its efficacy even when conferred outside the communion of the Church. He engages with the authority of Cyprian, a significant figure that the Donatists reference to support their views, arguing that Cyprian’s teachings actually uphold the Catholic Church's stance. Augustine's tone is both assertive and analytical, laying the groundwork for a deep theological discourse and engaging in a dialectical examination of the nature of schism and unity within Christianity.