Christianity North Africa during Antiquity

early christianity arrived in 2nd century , gained converts in towns , among slaves. more eighty bishops, distant frontier regions of numidia, attended council of carthage in 256. end of 4th century, settled areas had become christianized, , berber tribes had converted en masse.

a division in church came known donatist controversy began in 313 among christians in north africa. donatists stressed holiness of church , refused accept authority administer sacraments of had surrendered scriptures when forbidden under emperor diocletian. donatists opposed involvement of emperor constantine in church affairs in contrast majority of christians welcomed official imperial recognition.

the violent controversy has been characterized struggle between opponents , supporters of roman system. articulate north african critic of donatist position, came called heresy, augustine, bishop of hippo regius. augustine maintained unworthiness of minister did not affect validity of sacraments because true minister christ. in sermons , books augustine, considered leading exponent of christian dogma, evolved theory of right of orthodox christian rulers use force against schismatics , heretics. although dispute resolved decision of imperial commission in carthage in 411, donatist communities continued exist late 6th century.