The End of Early Christian Adoptionism? a Note on the Invention of Adoptionism, Its Sources, and Its Current Demise Peter-Ben Smita,B,C*
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Early Church Fathers and Adoptionism
Early Church Fathers and Adoptionism Sample statements Because of the nature of adoptionism its central question inevitably is when did humanity blend with divinity? (All emphasis added). Shepherd of Hermas (dated from AD 85-165) "The Holy Pre-existent Spirit. Which created the whole creation, God made to dwell in flesh that he desired. This flesh, therefore, in which the Holy Spirit dwelt, was subject unto the Spirit, walking honorably in holiness and purity, without in any way defiling the Spirit. When then it had lived honorably in chastity, and had labored with the Spirit, and had cooperated with it in everything, behaving itself boldly and bravely, he chose it as a partner with the Holy Spirit; for the career of this flesh pleased [the Lord], seeing that, as possessing the Holy Spirit, it was not defiled upon the earth. He therefore took the son as adviser and the glorious angels also, that this flesh too, having served the Spirit unblamably, might have some place of sojourn, and might not seem to have lost the reward for its service; for all flesh, which is found undefiled and unspotted, wherein the Holy Spirit dwelt, shall receive a reward." Theodotus via Hippolytus of Rome (d. AD 235) Refutation of All Heresies, Book VII, Chapter 23. “The Heresy of Theodotus” “But there was a certain Theodotus, a native of Byzantium, who introduced a novel heresy. He announces tenets concerning the originating cause of the universe, which are partly in keeping with the doctrines of the true Church, in so far as he acknowledges that all things were created by God. -
2/20/2020 1 Recommended Books
2/20/2020 Survey of Great Bible Truths Doctrinal & Practical 1 THEME 2 RECOMMENDED BOOKS 3 1 2/20/2020 NOTABLES 4 HOW TO STUDY THEOLOGY _______ God the Father 5 6 2 2/20/2020 Key Ideas to Study • Distinguishing the Person (Father, Son, Spirit) • The Attributes / Who God is • The Actions / What He Says & What He Does 7 UNDERSTANDING THE TRINITY Avoiding Heresy & Bad Analogies Persons(s), Nature, Deity, Humanity, Relation 8 HERESIES (Thinking Wrongly about God) •Tritheism • Tritheism is the belief that there are three gods or three separate beings in the Godhead. Few, if any, have held this view consciously, though unwittingly many have fallen into it verbally by their incautious language about the Godhead. • By correctly stressing the three persons as distinct, it is easy to slip into the language of tritheism, which wrongly posits three separate beings. 9 3 2/20/2020 HERESIES (Thinking Wrongly about God) • Modalism • Modalism is also called sabellianism after its founder, Sabellius (~217–220 AD). • Modalism holds that God is only one person who appears in different modes or roles at different times in the divine economy, from which it gets the title “Economic Trinity,” as opposed to the “Ontological(Nature) Trinity” of orthodox theology. 10 HERESIES (Thinking Wrongly about God) • Arianism • Following Arius (250–336 AD), its founder, this heresy denies that Jesus is fully God, allowing Him a created status below God. Arianism was opposed by Athanasius and condemned as heretical at the Council of Nicea (325 AD). 11 HERESIES (Thinking Wrongly about God) • Docetism • From the Greek word dokeo, “I seem,” docetism affirms the deity of Christ but denies His humanity, claiming it was only an apparent, but not real, humanity. -
Wesleyan Spirit-Christology
Wesleyan Spirit-Christology: inspiration from the theology of Samuel Chadwick Full version of a paper presented at the Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies, August 2018 by George Bailey, [email protected] Lecturer in Mission and Wesleyan Studies, Cliff College, Derbyshire, UK Presbyteral Minister in Leeds North and East Methodist Circuit, UK Introduction This paper explores the theology of Samuel Chadwick (1860-1932) and demonstrates that within it there is a Spirit Christology in a Wesleyan framework. Spirit Christology has been the subject of theological investigation in recent decades, with proposals being made for ways to add to or adapt the more dominant Logos Christologies of the Western theological tradition so that the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus in the Gospels, and in the experience of Christians, can be better accounted for.1 Chadwick’s theology is brought into debate with this more recent conversation, and is found to be in many ways in line with the Spirit Christology being proposed. This is not an aspect of Chadwick’s theology that has been given attention previously and new suggestions are made as to his place in the tradition of Wesleyan theology. In the process, Chadwick’s sources are considered, including the ways that he draws on a Wesleyan theology of perfection, mid to late nineteenth century language of Pentecost and baptism of the Spirit, early twentieth century liberal Protestant theological work, and his potential relationship with the seventeenth century puritan, John Owen. Most academic interest in Chadwick to date has focused on more practical issues. However, although Chadwick was primarily concerned with holiness and evangelism, it was only by the work of Holy Spirit that he experienced these being effective in his life and the life of churches, and consequently the Holy Spirit constituted the main content of his teaching to prepare people for evangelism. -
Circumcision of the Spirit in the Soteriology of Cyril of Alexandria Jonathan Stephen Morgan Marquette University
Marquette University e-Publications@Marquette Dissertations (2009 -) Dissertations, Theses, and Professional Projects Circumcision of the Spirit in the Soteriology of Cyril of Alexandria Jonathan Stephen Morgan Marquette University Recommended Citation Morgan, Jonathan Stephen, "Circumcision of the Spirit in the Soteriology of Cyril of Alexandria" (2013). Dissertations (2009 -). Paper 277. http://epublications.marquette.edu/dissertations_mu/277 CIRCUMCISION OF THE SPIRIT IN THE SOTERIOLOGY OF CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA by Jonathan S. Morgan, B.S., M.A. A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School, Marquette University, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Milwaukee, Wisconsin May 2013 ABSTRACT CIRCUMCISION OF THE SPIRIT IN THE SOTERIOLOGY OF CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA Jonathan S. Morgan, B.S., M.A. Marquette University, 2013 In this dissertation I argue that Cyril of Alexandria’s interpretation of “spiritual circumcision” provides invaluable insight into his complex doctrine of salvation. Spiritual Circumcision – or Circumcision by the Spirit -- is a recurring theme throughout his extensive body of exegetical literature, which was written before the Nestorian controversy (428). When Cyril considers the meaning and scope of circumcision, he recognizes it as a type that can describe a range of salvific effects. For him, circumcision functions as a unifying concept that ties together various aspects of salvation such as purification, sanctification, participation, and freedom. Soteriology, however, can only be understood in relation to other doctrines. Thus, Cyril’s discussions of circumcision often include correlative areas of theology such as hamartiology and Trinitarian thought. In this way, Cyril’s discussions on circumcision convey what we are saved from, as well as the Trinitarian agency of our salvation. -
Early-Christianity-Timeline.Pdf
Pagan Empire Christian Empire 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 1 AD Second 'Bishop' of Rome. Pupil of Student of Polycarp. First system- Bishop of Nyssa, brother of Basil. Pope. The Last Father of the Peter. Author of a letter to Corinth, atic theologian, writing volumi- Bishop of Original and sophisticated theologi- model of St Gregory the Church. First of the St John of (1 Clement), the earliest Christian St Clement of Rome nously about the Gospels and the St Irenaeus St Cyprian Carthage. an, writing on Trinitarian doctrine Gregory of Nyssa an ideal Scholastics. Polymath, document outside the NT. church, and against heretics. and the Nicene creed. pastor. Great monk, and priest. Damascus Former disciple of John the Baptist. Prominent Prolific apologist and exegete, the Archbishop of Constantinople, St Leo the Pope. Able administrator in very Archbishop of Seville. Encyclopaedist disciple of Jesus, who became a leader of the most important thinker between Paul brother of Basil. Greatest rhetorical hard times, asserter of the prima- and last great scholar of the ancient St Peter Judean and later gentile Christians. Author of two St Justin Martyr and Origen, writing on every aspect stylist of the Fathers, noted for St Gregory Nazianzus cy of the see of Peter. Central to St Isidore world, a vital link between the learning epistles. Source (?) of the Gospel of Mark. of life, faith and worship. writing on the Holy Spirit. Great the Council of Chalcedon. of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Claimed a knowledge and vision of Jesus independent Pupil of Justin Martyr. Theologian. -
Early Christianity in Transjordan
Tyndale Bulletin 45.1 (1994) 97-117. EARLY CHRISTIANITY IN TRANSJORDAN Bastiaan Van Elderen Summary Considerable archaeological field work is currently being conducted in the area of the Decapolis, including the author’s involvement in the excavations of Abila. This article reviews the few references to northern Transjordan in the New Testament and the references in early Christian literature which suggest that Jewish Christianity flourished in Transjordan in the early Christian centuries. Archaeological evidence indicates a rich floruit of Byzantine Christianity in Transjordan. A study of literary allusions relating to this area and the current archaeological work promise new light on this little-known phase of early Christianity. One of the blank pages in ancient church history is the beginning stages of the movement of Christianity to the east. The movement of Christianity as presented in the Acts of the Apostles was to the west. Nothing is reported about the movement of Christianity to the south apart from the report of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch; or of the movement to the east apart from the report of Christians in Damascus whom Saul sought to apprehend. On the other hand, there are some scattered references in the literature of the early church. In view of increasing archaeological work in the Transjordan area it may be useful to assemble some of these data from the literary sources to provide a framework in which to evaluate this current and future archaeological work. Perhaps a word of caution is in order first of all. Archaeological data relating to pre-Constantinian Christianity are extremely limited. -
Ecumenical Councils Preparing for Next Week (Disciple 6–Eucharist 1)
January St. Dominic’s RCIA Program Disciple The Church: 15 History & Teaching 4 Goal • Having switched the Disciple 4 & 5 weeks, we looks at an overview of the Sacraments last week (Disciple 5), and explored the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. These Sacraments are two of the three that initiate us into the Church community, and into Christ’s body and mission. This week we’ll continue to unpack the meaning of Church by looking broadly at its history one the last 2000 years. We’ll also explore it’s role as Teacher. How does the Church function in and through history? How does God walk with the Church through it all? Agenda • Welcome/Housekeeping (10) • Questions & Answers • Introduction to the Rosary (15) Discussion (15): • If the Church is The Body of Christ, what does this mean for Christ’s presence in the world through history and in the world today? • What do I admire about the Catholic Church’s activity in history? Does any part of the Church’s activity in history disturb or upset me? • How do I (might I) listen to what the Church has to say today? What is my approach/attitude to the Church as “Teacher”? • Presentation: The Church: History (35) • Break (10) • Presentation: The Church: Teaching & Belief (30) • Discussion (time permitting): • What is special to this moment in history? • What is the Good News of Christ & the Church that speaks to this moment in history? • How can the body of Christ proclaim & witness the Gospel and walk with others today? Housekeeping Notes • Rite of Acceptance: February 10th at the 11:30am and 5:30 Masses. -
Trinitarian/Christological Heresies Heresy Description Origin Official
Trinitarian/Christological Heresies Official Heresy Description Origin Other Condemnation Adoptionism Belief that Jesus Propounded Theodotus was Alternative was born as a by Theodotus of excommunicated names: Psilanthro mere (non-divine) Byzantium , a by Pope Victor and pism and Dynamic man, was leather merchant, Paul was Monarchianism. [9] supremely in Rome c.190, condemned by the Later criticized as virtuous and that later revived Synod of Antioch presupposing he was adopted by Paul of in 268 Nestorianism (see later as "Son of Samosata below) God" by the descent of the Spirit on him. Apollinarism Belief proposed Declared to be . that Jesus had by Apollinaris of a heresy in 381 by a human body Laodicea (died the First Council of and lower soul 390) Constantinople (the seat of the emotions) but a divine mind. Apollinaris further taught that the souls of men were propagated by other souls, as well as their bodies. Arianism Denial of the true The doctrine is Arius was first All forms denied divinity of Jesus associated pronounced that Jesus Christ Christ taking with Arius (ca. AD a heretic at is "consubstantial various specific 250––336) who the First Council of with the Father" forms, but all lived and taught Nicea , he was but proposed agreed that Jesus in Alexandria, later exonerated either "similar in Christ was Egypt . as a result of substance", or created by the imperial pressure "similar", or Father, that he and finally "dissimilar" as the had a beginning declared a heretic correct alternative. in time, and that after his death. the title "Son of The heresy was God" was a finally resolved in courtesy one. -
Triumph in Defeat: Lost Origins of Jesus Sayings
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE Japanese Journal of Policy and Culture Vol. 26 (March 2018) 1 Triumph in Defeat: Lost Origins of Jesus’ Sayings Mark N. ZION Synopsis John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth proclaimed the arrival of a new kingdom for fi rst-century Palestine. Both turned away from the violence of Zealots (resistance fi ghters) and preached a higher way, creating in the process universal ideals. Working together, they launched a transformative moment in human history that is still shaping the world. John offered repentance to enter this newly forming kingdom and Jesus gave the lifestyle injunctions for how to live in it, for both believed that an age of peace and justice was about to begin. As Christianity developed early in the second-century CE, with Paul of Tarsus’ message of a completely spiritual kingdom, it appropriated John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth’s vision into its own framework and so severely contextualized it. Yet, the teachings of John and Jesus were too dynamic to keep under wraps for long and have tumbled out again and again in new ways. Studies of these origins have signifi cant applications for our time: how words and symbols have the power to inspire throughout the ages, how to sift through a mythology for core truths, the horrors of prejudice when combined with religious ideologies, even of how to approach ancient cultures for a greater understanding. Here I will consider a little of how these teachings originated and a few of those at the center of it. -
“Sect” of Nazarenes Was First Described by Epiphanius of Salamis in His Panarion (Ca
Historiography A heretical “sect” of Nazarenes was first described by Epiphanius of Salamis in his Panarion (ca. 377). In Epiphanius’ view the Nazarenes were predecessors of the Ebionites. F.C. Baur’s critical study challenged this traditional picture by claiming that the Ebionies were the genuine successors of the first Christians in Jerusalem and the Nazarenes were their more orthodox followers (Baur 1966 [= 1860], 174), while A. Ritschl defended the traditional order (Ritschl, 1857, 152–154). Both these options have received support in later research (e.g. Pritz, 1988, 108–110; Lüdemann, 1996, 52–56). More recent research has emphasized the necessity to read the testimonies of the church fathers in their historical setting paying attention to the way the fathers relied on their predecessors heresiological treatises, before making any conclusions about the actual course of events (e.g. Luomanen, 2012 and 2017). Terminology(H1) In scholarly literature, the sect discussed in this entry is most often termed either Nazoreans or Nazarenes. Nazoreans is closer to the Greek form of the name in patristic sources, Ναζωραίοι/Nazōraioi. On the other hand, most English translations use the form Nazarene/Nazarenes when referring to Jesus’ byname derived from his hometown (Matt 2:23) and to the “sect of the Nazarenes” (Acts 24:5). Because the surviving literary sources link the name of the sect to Jesus’ hometown (see below), the form Nazarenes (reflecting the Latin Nazareus/Nazarei) is used here. A word of caution is in order concerning the term sect. Patristic authors regarded the Nazarenes as heretics, but in the present context the term does not imply any value judgment. -
Historiography Early Church History
HISTORIOGRAPHY AND EARLY CHURCH HISTORY TABLE OF CONTENTS Historiography Or Preliminary Issues......................................................... 4 Texts ..................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction ................................................................................................. 5 Definition.............................................................................................................. 5 Necessity............................................................................................................... 5 What Is Church History?............................................................................. 6 What Is The Biblical Philosophy Of History? ............................................ 7 The Doctrine Of God............................................................................................ 7 The Doctrine Of Creation..................................................................................... 8 The Doctrine Of Predestination............................................................................ 8 Why Study Church History? ....................................................................... 9 The Faithfulness Of God .................................................................................... 10 Truth And Experience ........................................................................................ 10 Truth And Tradition .......................................................................................... -
This Thesis Has Been Submitted in Fulfilment of the Requirements for a Postgraduate Degree (E.G
This thesis has been submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for a postgraduate degree (e.g. PhD, MPhil, DClinPsychol) at the University of Edinburgh. Please note the following terms and conditions of use: • This work is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights, which are retained by the thesis author, unless otherwise stated. • A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. • This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the author. • The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the author. • When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given. Epiphanius’ Alogi and the Question of Early Ecclesiastical Opposition to the Johannine Corpus By T. Scott Manor Ph.D. Thesis The University of Edinburgh 2012 Declaration I composed this thesis, the work is my own. No part of this thesis has been submitted for any other degree or qualification. Name……………………………….. Date……………………………………… 2 ABSTRACT The Johannine literature has been a cornerstone of Christian theology throughout the history of the church. However it is often argued that the church in the late second century and early third century was actually opposed to these writings because of questions concerning their authorship and role within “heterodox” theologies. Despite the axiomatic status that this so-called “Johannine Controversy” has achieved, there is surprisingly little evidence to suggest that the early church actively opposed the Johannine corpus.