Tertullian opens Prescription Against Heretics by arguing that heresies should not shock Christians, because Scripture itself foretold that false teaching would arise as a testing and proving of genuine faith. He warns believers not to judge truth by the apparent success or popularity of heresy, nor by the fall of respected leaders, but by perseverance in the apostolic faith itself. Augustine then reflects on humanity’s universal desire for happiness, concluding that true happiness is nothing less than joy in the truth—which ultimately means joy in God himself. Finally, Aquinas examines the role of advocates in public justice, defending the legitimacy of legal defense while insisting that no advocate may knowingly cooperate with falsehood or corruption. Together, these readings explore truth, perseverance, justice, and the difficult calling to remain faithful in a world filled with deception and compromise.

Today’s Readings:

Tertullian — Prescription Against Heretics Chapters 1–3

Augustine — The Confessions Book 10, Chapter 23 (Section 33)

Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica Part 2–2, Question 71

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Tertullian defends marriage against Marcion’s attack on the goodness of creation, arguing that chastity only has meaning when marriage itself is honored as a good gift of God. Augustine then defines the happy life not as the pursuit of earthly pleasures, but as rejoicing in God himself, insisting that every human longing for happiness ultimately points toward the Creator. Finally, Aquinas examines truth and justice in public judgment, teaching that neither the accused nor witnesses may lie even to avoid suffering, because justice collapses when truth becomes negotiable. Together, these readings confront the goodness of creation, the true source of happiness, and the moral necessity of truthfulness before God and neighbor.

Today’s Readings:

Tertullian — Against Marcion Book 1, Chapter 29

Augustine — The Confessions Book 10, Chapter 22 (Section 32)

Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica Part 2–2, Questions 69–70

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Tertullian confronts the danger of a god who never judges, arguing that a god without justice ultimately destroys morality, discipline, and even the meaning of salvation itself. Augustine then turns inward, reflecting on why every human being longs for happiness and joy, recognizing that all people pursue the same end even while seeking it in radically different ways. Finally, Aquinas examines how justice must function publicly through lawful judgment, proper accusation, and sufficient evidence, insisting that truth and order must remain together if society is to avoid tyranny and corruption. Together, these readings explore judgment, happiness, conscience, justice, and the human longing for what is truly good.

Today’s Readings:

Tertullian — Against Marcion Book 1, Chapters 27–28

Augustine — The Confessions Book 10, Chapter 21 (Section 31)

Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica Part 2–2, Questions 67–68

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