Early Christian Heresy, and Persecution Early Christian Heresy The Ebionites Judaizing Christians Rejected animal sacrifices Stressed Sabbath and circumcision Two principles Principle of Evil Ruler of this age Added sacrificial laws to Law Principle of Good Ruler of age to come Revealed through incarnations of its prophet Early Christian Heresy The Ebionites Jesus Prophet Man, adopted by God Mission: call humanity to obedience of Law Set example Paul Servant of evil principle False teachings! Disappeared due to largely Gentile Church Early Christian Heresy Marcion of Sinope (ca ) Father had been a bishop in Asia Minor Dualistic beliefs God of this world The Jews god! Creator Jealous, punishing, vindictive Unknown God Love Not related to this world Proclaimed by Jesus Early Christian Heresy Marcion of Sinope Christ Sent to save world from Creator Docetic interpretation Canon of Scripture First of them all No OT (Edited) epistles of Paul, Luke Marcion expressly and openly used the knife, not the pen, since he made such an excision of the Scriptures as suited his own subject-matter (Tertullian Prescription, 38). Early Christian Heresy Marcions Beliefs Spread Journeyed to Rome expelled (ca. 144) First-born of Satan? Marcionite missions Established Marcionite Church Began to fade after 3 rd century Early Christian Heresy Montanism Began with Montanus Pagan priest Christian (ca. 155) Claimed possession by Holy Spirit prophesy Joined by Priscilla and Maximilla Early Christian Heresy Montanist Beliefs and Practices New revelation new dispensation, final Rigorous ethics in protest against Churchs laxity Marriage frowned on Eschatological End of world coming! New Jerusalem to be established in Pepuza! Early Christian Heresy Questions? Early Christian Heresy Gnosticism Also a religion of salvation Attempted to explain Origins of evil How to be saved from evil material world Sources Nag Hammadi Library Gospel of Judas Early Christian Heresy Nag Hammadi Library Discovered 1945 MSS of 4 th century? Contains Gnostic Gospels, other writings Of tremendous historical value The Nag Hammadi Codices Coptic Museum, Cairo Early Christian Heresy Gospel of Judas Discovered ca. 1978, Egypt 2 nd /3 rd cent. MS After rocky road to fame, published by National Geographic (2006) Early Christian Heresy The Supreme God The Monad [is a] monarchy with nothing above it. [It is he who exists] as [God] and Father of everything, [the invisible] One who is above [everything, who exists as] incorruption, which is [in the] pure light into which no [eye] can look (The Apocryphon of John; Robinson, 106). Dwells in pleroma NOT the Creator! Divine feminine? Dyad: God as Father and Mother Trinity: I am the one who is [with you] always. I [am the Father], I am the Mother, I am the Son. I am the undefiled and incorruptible one (Apoc. of John; Robinson, 105). Early Christian Heresy The Aeons Emanations from the Father Innumerable Each one of the aeons is a name,, each of the properties and powers of the Father, since he exists in many names, which are intermingled and harmonious with one another (The Tripartite Tractate; Robinson, 71). Sophia Female aeon Wanted to conceive without approval of consort Gave birth to demiurge Early Christian Heresy The Demiurge Names: Yaldabaoth, Ruler Defective son of Sophia Ignorant of Father and Sophia Declared himself only god Their chief is blind; [because of his] power and his ignorance [and his] arrogance he said, with his [power], It is I who am God; there is none [apart from me] (The Hypostasis of the Archons; Robinson, 162). Created matter Early Christian Heresy Humanity Created by demiurge Divine spark blown into some humans Trapped in material bodies - - prisons Subject now to ignorance, forgetfulness In need of salvation Early Christian Heresy The Savior Divine figure, aeon Christ, in Christian Gnosticism Docetism Phantasm Spirit who temporarily indwelt human Jesus Came to teach humanity about true origins Revealer of gnosis Early Christian Heresy Salvation Through gnosis This, therefore, is the true testimony: When man comes to know himself and God who is over the truth, he will be saved, and he will crown himself with the crown unfading (The Testimony of Truth; Robinson, 454). Salvation FROM the body Spirit to return to pleroma Not everyone has divine spark! Early Christian Heresy Gospel of Thomas Date: 1 st /2 nd cents. Chosen disciple: Didymos Judas Thomas Content: 114 Sayings About the kingdom Cryptic Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not experience death (GT 1; Robinson, 126). Early Christian Heresy Gospel of Thomas Jesus (exalted) Jesus said, It is I who am the light which is above them all. From me did the all come forth, and unto me did the all extend. Split a piece of wood, and I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find me there (GT 77; Robinson, 135). Self-knowledge When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty (GT 3; Robinson, 126). Early Christian Heresy Gospel of Mary Date: 2 nd cent. Fragmentary Genre: dialogue Chosen disciple: Mary Magdalene Early Christian Heresy Gospel of Mary Marys secret knowledge Peter said to Mary, Sister, we know that the Savior loved you more than the rest of women. Tell us the words of the Savior which you remember which you know (but) we do not, nor have we heard them. Mary answered and said, What is hidden from you I will proclaim to you (Robinson, 525). Salvation from the body [The powers] ask the soul, Whence do you come, slayer of men, or where are you going, conqueror of space? The soul answered and said, What binds me has been slain, and what surrounds me has been overcome, and my desire has been ended, and ignorance has died. In a [world] I was released from a world, [and] in a type from a heavenly type, and (from) the fetter of oblivion which is transient (Robinson, 526). Early Christian Heresy Second-century Conflicts Evident in Gospel of Mary? But Andrew answered and said to the brethren, Say what you (wish to) say about what she has said. I at least do not believe that the Savior said this. For certainly these teachings are strange ideas. Peter answered and spoke concerning these same things. He questioned them about the Savior: Did he really speak with a woman without our knowledge (and) not openly? Are we to turn about and all listen to her? Did he prefer her to us? (Robinson, 526). Early Christian Heresy Questions? Early Christian Heresy Irenaeus of Lyon (ca ) Hearer of Polycarp Presbyter in Lyon Appointed bishop (177) Early Christian Heresy Irenaeus and Gnosticism Chief opponent Goals Refute and convert Equip others to know and refute it Define Catholic truth Against Heresies (ca. 180) Awareness of Gnostic sects, writings Detailed Fairly accurate Early Christian Heresy Catholic Doctrine, according to Irenaeus One God Creator, ex nihilo Matter is not evil Rules world through two hands (Son, Holy Spirit) Jesus Christ Deity and humanity affirmed True Incarnation Real passion Literal resurrection Is image of God Early Christian Heresy Catholic Doctrine, according to Irenaeus Humanity Created to develop and grow in image of God Succumbed to temptation slaves of Devil, sin, death Growth interrupted Salvation God still loves humanity Through Incarnation incorruption Salvation of the body Early Christian Heresy Tools against Heresy New Testament FOUR Gospels Rule of faith Systematic summary of faith Makes possible distinction between Churchs faith, that of heretics Apostolic succession Early Christian Heresy Questions? Persecution Persecution of Christians (1 st to early 4 th cents.) By Jews and Romans Countless Christians martyred Martureo: bear witness, testify Persecution Zurbarn, Martyrdom of St. James (1640) Persecution in the New Testament Non-messianic Jews vs. Messianic Jews persecution Execution of James, son of Zebedee (Acts 12) Pauls fate (Acts 16, etc.) Greco-Roman Reaction Couldnt be bothered Protected Christians Jews and Christians expelled from Rome Persecution Neronian Persecution Emperor Nero (r. 5468) Arrogant, hedonistic Self-proclaimed poet and artist! Great Fire of Rome (July of 64) Majority of Rome destroyed! Nero? Nero blamed Christians! Persecution Neronian Persecution according to Tacitus (Annals 15.47) Yet no human effort, no princely largess nor offerings to the gods could make that infamous rumor disappear that Nero had somehow ordered the fire. Therefore, in order to abolish that rumor, Nero falsely accused and executed with the most exquisite punishments those people called Christians, who were infamous for their abominations. The originator of the name, Christ, was executed as a criminal by the procurator Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius; and though repressed, this destructive superstition erupted again, not only through Judea, which was the origin of this evil, but also through the city of Rome, to which all that is horrible and shameful floods together and is celebrated. State-Sanctioned Persecution Neronian Persecution according to Tacitus (Annals 15.47) Therefore, first those were seized who admitted their faith, and then, using the information they provided, a vast multitude were convicted, not so much for the crime of burning the city, but for hatred of the human race. And perishing they were additionally made into sports: they were killed by dogs by having the hides of beasts attached to them, or they were nailed to crosses or set aflame, and, when the daylight passed away, they were used as nighttime lamps. Nero gave his own gardens for this spectacle and performed a Circus game, in the habit of a charioteer mixing with the plebs or driving about the race-course. Even though they were clearly guilty and merited being made the most recent example of the consequences of crime, people began to pity these sufferers, because they were consumed not for the public good but on account of the fierceness of one man. Persecution Neronian Persecution Limited to Rome Victims: Peter and Paul Ended with Neros suicide Lippi, Crucifixion of St. Peter, c Persecution Why Persecution during Second Century? Christians seen as distinct from Jews Novelty They met secretly Rumors of immoral behavior Would not worship state gods *Refused to worship the emperor TREASON! Persecution Pliny the Younger Pliny the Youngers Christian Problem (ca. 110) Sent letter to Trajan from Bithynia So many Christians! Presented with list Some were not, or no longer, Christians Some were Christians, would not recant executed Major questions: What are their crimes? What do I do with them? Punish them for crimes? Is the name itself punishable? Persecution Trajans Response Do not seek out Christians If accused and no recantation punishment Pardon those who worship the gods Persecution Decius (r ) Goal: restore glory of Rome Failure to worship gods Romes troubles Religious Program Worship emperor Worship gods Persecution Certificate of Pagan Sacrifice (from Egypt) To the superintendents of offerings and sacrifices at the city from Aureliusthe son of Theodorus and Pantonymis, of the said city. It has ever been my custom to make sacrifices and libations to the gods, and now also I have in your presence in accordance with the command poured libations and sacrificed and tasted the offerings together with my son Aurelius Dioscorus and my daughter Aurelia Lais. I therefore request you to certify my statement. The 1 st year of the Emperor Caesar Gaius Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius Pius Felix Augustus... Persecution The Decian Persecution Goal: recantations Christians arrested, tortured Ended with Deciuss death First Empire-wide persecution Left confessors Persecution Diocletian (r ) Significant emperor Numerous reforms revitalized Empire Established tetrarchy Religious Outlook Devoted to traditional gods Tolerant of Christians Persecution The Tetrarchs (ca. 305), St. Marks Square, Venice Persecution The Great Persecution Christians had enjoyed peace Galerius loathed Christians Potential reasons for Persecution Learned of Christian plot? Christians sabotaged divination? Persecution The Great Persecution Cathedral of Nicomedia demolished (February 23, 303) First Edict (February 24), against Churches Sacred texts Sacred vessels Christian worship Second edict, against clergy Persecution The Great Persecution Countless Christians tortured, executed Diocletian abdicated (304), but persecution continued Repealed with edict of Galerius (311) Persecution Early Christian Beliefs about Martyrs Granted immediate entrance to Paradise Perfection Most revered of early Christians Relics Feast days Communion Persecution Persecutions: Ultimate Failure Had permeated Roman society The oftener we are mown down by you, the more in number we grow; the blood of Christians is seed (Tertullian, Apology, c. 50). Persecution Questions? Primary Source The Gospel of Judas Initial reactions? What are some of the particularly Gnostic elements to it? Observations about Jesus? Any references here to orthodox Christians? What makes Judas different from canonical Gospels? Primary Source Irenaeuss Against Heresies Initial reactions? What heresies did he attack here? How did he describe Christs Incarnation? Why does it matter? How did he criticize the Gnostic Father? What evidence for salvation of the body did he provide from common sense, the Old Testament, and the New? Primary Source The Persecutions and Martyrdoms of Lyon What type of document is this? Who were some of the central Christian figures in this account; what happened to them? How might the purposeful destruction of their bodies after their deaths relate to early Christian theology?