Donatism
North African schism conditioning sacramental validity on the moral purity of ministers
Donatism was a bitter North African schism sparked by the Diocletianic persecution (303–305 AD), asserting that ministers who surrendered sacred Scriptures to Roman authorities (traditores) forfeited their orders, and that sacraments (especially baptism and ordination) administered by unworthy clergy were invalid, rebaptizing all who entered their communion.
Historical Context & Significance
Named for Donatus Magnus of Casae Nigrae, Donatists viewed themselves as the pure, unblemished Church of the martyrs. Augustine of Hippo refuted them by establishing the principle of *ex opere operato*: sacraments derive their validity from Christ Himself, the true minister, not the subjective worthiness of the human priest.
Genealogical Lineage & Splits
This movement or council is an early root foundation with no preceding parent split in the dataset.
Theological & Hermeneutical Coordinates
Primary Scripture Proof-Texts
Key biblical passages central to this tradition's exegesis and historical debates.
Connected Theological Perspectives & Debates
Universal Christian confession that God Almighty is the sole Creator of all things visible and invisible out of nothing (*creatio ex nihilo*).
Universal confession that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and was raised for our justification according to the Scriptures.