The Donatist Movement Essay

During the third century, Emperor Constantine made Christianity popular, however, his version was a mix of Christianity and paganism that became a State religion and the foundation for the Catholic church. During this time there were several Christian groups that were separate from this State religion, and suffered for it. One of these groups was called the Donatists.
“The Donatists were the strongest and most widespread group that arose in protest against the unholy union of the church and state under Constantine. They were named after their leader Donatus. The movement had its start in North Africa in 311 A.D.” (Wallace, R., Baptist Church History, pg. 59) They held a strong stand against the lack of morals and discipline in both the

clergy and the churches. They also refused to give up their ‘independence’ or right to be self-governing when Constantine united the church and state together. “The Donatists rebelled against Constantine and refused to be subservient to his ‘universal’ Catholic church movement. As a result the first Christian blood was shed by fellow “Christians” when the followers of Constantine brought persecution on the followers of Donatus.” (Wallace, R., Baptist Church History, pg. 60)
The Donatist were ‘Baptistic’ in many of their beliefs. They believed in separation of church and state. They were independent, self-governing churches. They believed in all Christians living a moral and godly life. They would re-baptize those who were infant baptized, because they believed in Baptism by immersion as a believer only.
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“When Augustine’s attempt to persuade and pressure the Donatist into becoming a part of the Catholic church failed, he felt the only way to stop this schism was use the pressure of the Roman law and Roman policy power.

He encouraged the imperial court to legislate against the Donatist.” (Wallace, R., Baptist Church History, pg. 62) As a result Donatist’s properties were ceased and other severe penalties placed upon those who showed support for them. “The Donatist movement was crippled, and many of its adherents were restored to the Catholic body, but it survived nonetheless.” (Wallace, R., Baptist Church History, pg. 62)
Despite many “Christians” returning to the State church, the persecution against groups like the Donatists, had a positive affect upon these believers in these groups too. These affects included a purification of the churches, as believers knew their lives were at risk by being a part of these groups, it caused a more serious dedication, and deterred some who were looking to attend for other reasons, whether social or economic. Another major affect was the spreading of the gospel, as the persecution caused many to move to other parts of the world, and they took the gospel message with them, wherever they

went.
When we read about some of the terrible persecution, groups like the Donatist faced, it should make us very thankful to have the religious freedom we have in many countries around the world today, and cause us to take our time of worship and learning within our churches more seriously.