The Gospel according to Heretics: Discovering Orthodoxy through Early Christological Conflicts

by David E. Wilhite

Overview

Since what Christian doctrine denies can be as important as what it affirms, it is important to understand teachings about Jesus that the early church rejected. Historians now acknowledge that proponents of alternative teachings were not so much malicious malcontents as they were misguided or even misunderstood. Here a recognized expert in early Christian theology teaches orthodox Christology by explaining the false starts (heresies), making the history of theology relevant for today's church. This engaging introduction to the christological heresies is suitable for beginning students. In addition, pastors and laypeople will find it useful for apologetic purposes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801039768
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/20/2015
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

David E. Wilhite (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is associate professor of theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas. He is the author of Tertullian the African, coauthor of The Church: A Guide for the Perplexed, and coeditor of Tertullian and Paul.

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction: Defining Heresy, Revising Orthodoxy
1. Marcion: Supersessionism
2. Ebion: Adoptionism
3. Gnostics: Docetism
4. Sabellius: Modalism
5. Arius: Subordinationism
6. Apollinaris: Subhumanism
7. Nestorius: Dyoprosopitism
8. Eutyches: Monophysitism
9. Iconoclasts: Antirepresentationalism
10. Muslims: Reductionism
Conclusion: Heresy according to the Gospel
Index

Editorial Reviews

10/05/2015
Wilhite (Tertullian the African) digs deep into the schisms of early Christianity in his deep and comprehensive study of early religious leaders and influential church councils. "The point is that disunity and disruption are the heretical calling card," Wilhite writes. His main focus is homoousios, or the substance of the Christ, which is the basis of the The Council of Nicaea. Some of the most interesting chapters consider the Gnostic gospels and offer a comparative study of Islam and Christianity. Wilhite is most comfortable discussing Christology. He clearly delineates the ways miscommunications and misunderstandings factored into how the ecumenical councils resolved disputes of doctrine. Often the smallest decisions of wording in a text caused great offense. This book is ideal for a scholar seeking to study church history, or an educated layperson wanting to know more about church councils, Gnostics, and modern day Muslims. (July)

Publishers Weekly

07/01/2015
Wilhite's (George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor Univ.; Tertullian the African) latest aims to discuss one of the oldest adages in Christian theology: the nature and errors of various heresies but with the novel idea that these so-called fallacies had defining importance for the early church, forcing church leaders to define their faith and doctrines. The author further suggests how contemporary believers might benefit from understanding these differing believers' points of view and aspirations. Wilhite's approach will disquiet those who reject the notion of heresy, in the ancient church's sense, as unhelpful. Still, there is much to be said for a writer conversant with Monophysitism (the position that Christ has only a single "nature" which is either divine or a synthesis of divine and human) and ready to share that knowledge with general audiences. VERDICT This book will be of interest to academic libraries and valuable for reading groups.

Library Journal