The Condemnation of Priscillian’s Use of non-Canonical Books and his Defense in Tractatus III: Liber de Fide et de Apocryphis
The Condemnation of Priscillian’s Use of non-Canonical Books and his Defense in Tractatus III: Liber de Fide et de Apocryphis

Summary/Abstract: One of the accusations against Priscillian and his followers was their use of non-canonical books in their writings and teachings. This was proof positive for Priscillian’s opponents that he and his followers were a sect worthy of condemnation and that their writings were tainted with heresy. These accusations are found in several of the Suevic-Visigothic councils of Hispania. it is fortuitous that we have Priscillian’s response to this accusation in his Tractatus III: Priscilliani Liber de Fide et de Apocryphis. This study makes generous use of the testimony of the councils, Priscillian’s own Tractatus III and writers directly involved in the controversy. The use of apocryphal writings was widespread, they appear in many settings and diverse literary genres and art. The example in this study is but one additional example. In this work Priscillian wrote a spirited and convincing defence against his adversaries.

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