Ad Quirinum Book Three and Cyprian's Catechumenate

Although widely viewed as an unorganized catechetical document, Cyprian's Ad Quirinum Book Three has not been systematically analyzed for what it might reveal about the third-century North African catechumenate. By mapping discernible patterns in the headings and accompanying Scriptures, I will demonstrate that large sections of Book Three have a logical order, which helped catechists and catechumens memorize and practice the Scriptures. The first twenty-three precepts trained catechumens to practice economic sharing and to nonviolently respond to expected mistreatment. Later sections focus on disciplina, biblical book studies, and eschatological and baptismal concerns.