Adam, Andrew, Tee, Ryan, and Emily – Cyprian vs. Novatian

The major point of conflict between the two is over purity and unity, with Cyprian focusing on unity and Novatian on purity. Cyprian believes that no one should be definitively excluded from the church in order to promote its growth. However, they would have to undergo continuous penance until death and if they are faced with another possible faith lapse, they must go through martyrdom. On the other hand, Novatian believes his church is elite in that they are completely perfect in their faith. Therefore, he made no room for lapsed christians to be let back in. His church does not have any viability because of its exclusivity.