Publisher's Synopsis
The Shows Or De Spectaculis is a book written by Tertullian, a Christian author, in the 2nd century AD. The book is a critique of the Roman entertainment industry and its impact on society. Tertullian argues that the shows, such as gladiator games and chariot races, are immoral and corrupting, and that Christians should not participate in them. He also condemns the use of violence and bloodshed for entertainment, and calls for a more peaceful and virtuous society. The book is an important early Christian text, and provides insight into the attitudes and beliefs of early Christians towards Roman culture and society.Having sufficiently established the charge of idolatry, which alone ought to be reason enough for our giving up the shows, let us now ex abundanti look at the subject in another way, for the sake of those especially who keep themselves comfortable in the thought that the abstinence we urge is not in so many words enjoined, as if in the condemnation of the lusts of the world there was not involved a sufficient declaration against all these amusements.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
