Lactantius (c.250–c.325) was an early Christian writer and advisor to Emperor Constantine I. His structured defenses of Christian belief influenced theological thought during and after the Roman Empire.
Born in North Africa, likely in Cirta, Numidia (modern Algeria,) he studied under Arnobius and became a professor of rhetoric in Nicomedia, Bithynia, under Emperor Diocletian. Impressed by the courage of Christian martyrs, he converted and resigned his post, living in poverty until Constantine appointed him tutor to his son Crispus.
Lactantius is known for his apologetic works defending Christianity against pagan critics. His major work, Institutiones Divinae (c.303–311,) aimed to demonstrate the logic and truth of Christian teachings. He also wrote De Opificio Dei (c.303–304) on divine creation and De Ira Dei, defending God’s righteous anger. His De Mortibus Persecutorum (c.313–316) described the deaths of Christian persecutors as divine punishment.
Dubbed the “Christian Cicero” for his elegant Latin style, his works were widely read during the Renaissance. He also wrote De Ave Phoenice, a poetic allegory on the phoenix, symbolizing resurrection.
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Memory tempers prosperity, mitigates adversity, controls youth, and delights old age.
—Lactantius
Topics: Memory
Where fear is present, wisdom cannot be.
—Lactantius
Topics: Fear
Let us come to the philosophers, whose authority is of greater weight, and their judgment more to be relied on, because they are believed to have paid attention, not to matters of fiction, but to the investigation of the truth.
—Lactantius
Topics: Authority
The first point of wisdom is to discern that which is false; the second, to know that which is true.
—Lactantius
Topics: Wisdom
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