TATIAN, one of the early apologists of Christianity against the pagan philosophers, and the founder of a sect which, whether under his own name, or under various other appellations derived from its peculiar tenets or practices, attracted considerable notice in the primitive ages. Tatian was b. in Syria or Assyria about the year 130. Having cultivated rhetoric and philosophy in various places, he came to Rome about 162, where be became the disciple and friend of Justin the martyr, and was by him converted to. Christianity. He is known to have written many works—infinita volum,Ina, says Jerome —of which, however, only one is preserved, the Apology already referred to. The date of its composition is uncertain, but it seems probable that it was written before the death of Justin (166 A.D.). No trace appears in the Apology of the heterodox opinions of Tatian, and it is alleged by Tertullian (Adv. Ilier i. 28, 1) that it was not till after the death of Justin that he fell into the errors to which he hag given a name. He then removed to the East, and is said to have established himself in Mesopotamia. Without entering into the details of Tatian's peculiar opinions, it will be enough to say that, especially in their moral aspect, they formed the foundation of one of the great divisions of Gnosticism (q.v.). Starting from the common principle of dualism, and of the
origin of matter from the evil principle, and its consequent evil nature, Tatian, unlike the Egyptian Gnostics, held the necessity of overcoming the corrupt nature of man, and purifying it by abstinence and ascetic rigor. Accordingly, he reprobated marriage, and condemned all sensual indulgence. One of his "opinions," affirming the damnation of Adam, was peculiarly odious to the orthodox party. He condemned the use of wine so strongly as to forbid it even in the celebration of the Eucharist, in which his followers permitted only water to be used, whence they received the name of Ilydroparastatai (from hydor, water, and paristemi, I present), and in Latin Aguarii. From their gen erally rigorous asceticism, they were called Encratites (from engkrakin, to keep conti nent). In their dogmatic views as to Docetism, the Demiurge, and Emanations, they differed little from other Gnostics of the Syrian school. See GNOSTICS, MANICHICANS, MYSTICISM