4.1 - Heresy

 

Marcion of Sinope, considered the "arch-heretic" by the early church

Synopsis

In contrast to the external threat of persecution, heresy threatened to sicken and kill the church from within. Notable heresies of the 2nd-3rd centuries include Gnosticism, Marcionism, and Montanism. Ultimately, heresy strengthened orthodoxy by forcing the church to defend and clarify its beliefs.

Key Quotes

• "Christian Gnostics often taught that Jesus had only entrusted his true message (which had been too advanced for most of his disciples to understand) to one of his apostles."
• "Marcion separated himself from the Gnostic pack by developing a theology that was not only anti-material but also anti-Jewish."
• "Along with Marcionism, Montanism helped spur the church toward the creation of a New Testament canon that could serve as the final authority in matters of faith and practice."

Reflection Questions 

• How did Gnostics explain the fact that their gospels differed significantly from the apostolic gospel? 
• How did Marcion explain away the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament writings that contradicted his interpretations?
• What need in the early church was Montanism trying to fill? What lessons could modern-day charismatics draw from their example?

Further Reading

• "The Gospel of Thomas" 
  http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/thomas-anon.html