Historical Theology · Patristic Database
The Christian
Belief Map
What the first five centuries believed — and who still believes it today.
How to read the tradition strip
Identical
Convergent
Partial
Divergent
Opposed
Unknown
Ante-Nicene · AD 100–200
3 records
ESCHATOLOGY
c. AD 155
Justin Martyr
The soul survives death and exists consciously before the resurrection
ESCHATOLOGY
c. AD 180
Irenaeus of Lyon
It is safer to await the fulfilment of prophecy regarding the Antichrist than to speculate on the name bearing 666
ESCHATOLOGY
c. AD 195
Clement of Alexandria
Christ descended into Hades between his death and resurrection to preach to those held there
Ante-Nicene · AD 200–300
7 records
ESCHATOLOGY
c. AD 210
Tertullian
The bodily resurrection of the flesh at the last day is certain
ESCHATOLOGY
c. AD 210
Tertullian
Tertullian argues the human soul is derived from the parents along with the body — traducianism
ESCHATOLOGY
c. AD 211
Tertullian
Prayer for the dead is a pious and ancient Christian practice
ESCHATOLOGY
c. AD 230
Origen of Alexandria
The devil is a fallen angel, not an independent evil principle equal to God
ESCHATOLOGY
c. AD 230
Origen of Alexandria
Origen speculated that all rational souls including the devil might ultimately be restored — later condemned as heresy
ESCHATOLOGY
c. AD 230
Origen of Alexandria
Origen taught that souls pre-existed their bodies before birth — later condemned as heresy
ESCHATOLOGY
c. AD 230
Origen of Alexandria
Origen teaches that the resurrection body will be spiritual but identical in substance with the earthly body
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