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Heresy |
Leading Teachers |
Historical Information |
Characteristic Teachings |
| EBIONISM (ElKesaites, Mandaeans) |
Originated in Palestine in the late 1st century, later spread to Asia Minor. Was made up mostly of Jewish Christians. Used Gospel of Matthew in Hebrew. | Taught universality of Mosaic law (needed for salvation). Advocated antipathy to Paul. Jesus acknowledged as the Messiah, but only as a man on whom the Spirit came at His baptism. Looked for imminent Millennium. | |
| GNOSTICISM |
|
Had roots in pagan philosophy,
especially Platonism.
Was influenced by Oriental
mysticism.
Had little appeal to masses;
most influential among
church leaders.
Appeared throughout Empire. Worship ranged from very simple to very elaborate. Forced church to formulate rules of faith and New Testament canon. Caused church to emphasize apostolic succession as repository of truth. |
Thought themselves possessors
of unique higher insight
("gnosis").
Thought themselves of spirit.
other people of soul or
body.
Taught matter is evil.
Held to hierarchy of aeons
V
(pleroma).
Produced either sensuality or
asceticism.
Was dualistic.
Generally rejected Old Testa- ment and Judaism. Used allegorical interpretation. Said world was created by Demiurge {= Jehovah). Believed Christ's body was an illusion. |
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| MONTANISM |
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Originated in Phrygia. Later spread to Rome and North Africa. | Were ascetic.
Were chiliastic. Expected imminent start of Millennium. Practiced glossolalia. Were generally orthodox in doctrine. Thought themselves spiritual, others carnal. Continued prophetic revelation. Held to universal priesthood of believers. Opposed art of any Kind. Sought martyrdom. |
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| MANICHAEISM | Mani (215-277) |
Originated in Persia.
Contains many elements of
Zoroastrianism. Mani was flayed alive, his skin stuffed and hung over city gate in Persia. Augustine was a follower early in life. Is similar to later Paulicians, Bogomils. Cathari, Albigensians. Was characterized by strict hierarchical organization. |
Held dualistic view of creation (light vs. darkness). Believed Christ was representative of light, Satan of darkness. Said apostles corrupted Christ's teaching, Mani revealed it in pure form. Taught that Christ's body was illusory. Followers were severely ascetic. |