Revival of the Gnostic Heresy: Fundamentalism

by J. Morris

Overview

In this rigorous and provocative study, Joe E. Morrisargues that the basic tenets and practices of Fundamentalism are those of ancient Christian Gnosticism. Drawing on extensive research andcareful analysis, Morris aligns the two religious phenomena, point by point, tenet by tenet.Along the way, he provides insights into the key hermeneutic of Fundamentalism: inerrancy of Scripture, highlighting the multiple problems with the positions of literal and inerrant interpretation, their impracticality and unfeasibility, and their contradiction with their own conservative doctrine - namely, the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. This groundbreaking book dramatically recasts our understanding of the history of Christianity and gives important context to modern-day religious debates.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781349376643
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan US
Publication date:	12/12/2008
Edition description:	1st ed. 2008
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

JOE E. MORRIS is a psychologist, retired United Methodist Minister and the author of Land Where My Fathers Died.

Table of Contents

PART I: GNOSTICISM The Gnostic Gospels The Basic Tenets of Gnosticism The Origins of Gnosticism The Influence of Gnosticism on the Development and Growth of Christianity The Response of the Early Church to Gnosticism PART II: FUNDAMENTALISM The Origins of Fundamentalism The Basic Tenets of Fundamentalism PART III: GNOSTICISM AND FUNDAMENTALISM Revival of the Gnostic Heresy: Fundamentalism The Differences between Gnosticism and Fundamentalism The Case against Inerrancy Psychological Issues and Implications An Alternative to Dualism: Incarnation: 'The Word Made Flesh' Gnosticism, Fundamentalism, and Orthodoxy: Where Do We Go From Here?

What People are Saying About This

Theodore W. Jennings Jr

"This is a very well written book with a lively style that engages the reader immediately while still amassing an impressive array of scholarship. Morris moves easily and adroitly between the first centuries of Christian emergence and our own more familiar world. Along the way the reader learns a great deal about ancient gnosticisms and modern fundamentalisms and is invited to see the remarkable parallels between these seemingly unrelated phenomena. Whether or not one agrees with all of Morris's judgments along the way, the reader will find this an informative, stimulating, and thought-provoking journey."--(Theodore W. Jennings, Jr., Professor of Biblical and Constructive Theology, The Chicago Theological Seminary)

Editorial Reviews

"This is a very well written book with a lively style that engages the reader immediately while still amassing an impressive array of scholarship.Morris moves easily and adroitly between the first centuries of Christian emergence and our own more familiar world. Along the way the reader learns a great deal about ancient gnosticisms and modern fundamentalisms and is invited to see the remarkable parallels between these seemingly unrelated phenomena. Whether or not one agrees with all of Morris's judgments along the way, the reader will find thisan informative, stimulating, and thought-provoking journey." - Theodore W. Jennings, Jr., Professor of Biblical and Constructive Theology, The Chicago Theological Seminary

From the Publisher