Tertullian on Fasting: The Kiss of Peace Controversy #shorts

Lesson Transcript

It's in the course of discussing a different issue, but it brings out what was happening normally, okay? Tertullian saying this: Another custom has now become prevalent. Those who are fasting withhold the kiss of peace, which is the seal of prayer after prayer made with the brethren. Okay, so remember, Justin Martyr said after the prayers, then they would greet one another with a holy kiss or kiss of peace.

And Tertullian is saying, okay, somehow a new custom has arisen where those who are fasting, they don't greet one another with a kiss. Don't ask me why, maybe a hypocritical way of announcing that you're fasting. And so I don't kiss people because I'm fasting. And Jesus said, "No, fast in secret." And Tertullian does not like this new custom that had arisen. Join us in earnestly contending for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.