Publisher's Synopsis
The Shows, also known as De Spectaculis, is a treatise written by the early Christian author Tertullian in the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD. In this work, Tertullian argues against the practice of attending and participating in public spectacles, such as gladiatorial games, chariot races, and theatrical performances. He contends that these events are immoral and incompatible with Christian values, as they promote violence, sensuality, and pagan beliefs. Tertullian also criticizes the Roman government and society for their obsession with entertainment and their neglect of spiritual matters. The Shows is considered one of the earliest Christian writings on the subject of entertainment and its relation to morality, and it provides insight into the early Church's attitudes towards popular culture.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.
