![]() The Reformation deals with refining soteriology, with Eschatology becoming an important focus in the modern period. For instance, the early church had to develop the biblical canon (Bibliology), followed by debates over the nature of God (the Trinity), and Christology. Some have claimed that the controversies that arose through Church history followed the general order or outline of Systematic Theology. Had been involved in a gnostic-sect before fighting against it and Arianism Advanced theological understanding of the Trinityĩ Athanasius ( ) Bishop of Alexandria Egypt Apologia Contra Arianos (Arianism), Contra Gentes, (Paganism) Fought against Arianism Stalwart defender of orthodoxy including Trinitarianism and Christologyġ0 Epiphanius ( ) Born in Palestine, later became Bishop of Salimis Cyprus The Panarion or The Medicine Box/Chest “Epiphanius described his book as ‘a medicine chest for those bitten by wild animals’-that is, those infected by false teachings In all, 80 heresies were described”(Clifton, 39). Fought gnosticism, Marcionism, Docetism, and Modalistic Monarchianism. Refutation and Overthrow of the Knowledge (gnosis) falsely So-Called and sometimes called Against Heresies Disciple of Polycarp, a disciple of the apostle John Fought against Gnosticism defended the four-fold gospel against the many spurious gnostic-gospels.ħ Hippolytus ( ) Presbyter (bishop) in Rome Refutation of All Heresies: Sections 4-10 known as the Philosophoumena Disciple of Irenaeus (and Polycarp and John) Fought against Modalism, Patripassianism, Sabellianism and GnosticismĨ Tertullian ( ) North Africa Bishop of Carthage (modern Libya) Apology, Against Praxeas, The Prescription of Heretics, Against Marcion Supported the Montanist movement. Studied philosophy, retained philosopher’s robe, considered Christianity the “one sure worthy philosophy” (Carey, 558).Ħ Irenaeus (130-195) Bishop of Lyons (France) Justin Martyr ( ) Born in Palestine (Shechem) Held no church office, traveling evangelist/teacher First Apology, Second Apology, Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, Against All Heresies, Against Marcion Combated Marcion the heretic in person at Rome and evangelized Trypho the Jew in Ephesus(Schaff, 715). It is the struggle for every age of Christians, to strive for a balance between the two, fighting tenaciously for orthodox teachings and practices, while maintaining a deep abiding love for God and our neighbors. Scholars have noted the swing in controversies and movements within church history that are like a pendulum swinging back and forth between the two extremes of dogmatic teachings on one hand, and experiential faith on the other. Christians must always endeavor to remain faithful to the teaching of Jesus and His apostles, most especially as they are presented in the New Testament.Ĥ Swing between dogmatic and experiential There were already heretics and heresies in apostolic times, and in every generation since. It is easy to assume that the older, and hence closer to apostolic times, that a teaching is, the more truthful it is likely to be. 2 “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again there is nothing new under the sun”(Ecclesiastes 1:9).
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