‘Tacere ultra non oportet’. Aspetti della polemica cristiana nell’Ad Demetrianum

The A. explores the opening chapters of Cyprian’s Ad Demetrianum, where we find a theme that frequently recurs in the prologue of Christian polemical works; the Christian author, when accused, hesitates whether patiently bearing the attacks and maintaining a thoughtful and dignified reserve, or entering into polemics with the opponent. The conduct of Cyprian against Demetrianus presents two distinct phases: an initial silence in front of pagan charges, supported by biblical and rational reasons, is followed by a decisive intervention when the Bishop judges no longer convenient for the Christian defense to postpone the confrontation with Demetrianus. The paper analyzes this topos in ancient literature and follows the success of the cyprianic phrase in modern polemic texts.