I have seen a number of, usually more liberal, Christians, for instance, wander over to Origen or Pelagius or Nestor, often citing their own personal interpretation of Scripture as justification.
A LOT of so-called Christians really just like the Christian label and not the actual dogmas of Christianity. They believe whatever they fell is Christian and if you point out that their belief is actually heresy; a.) they did not know and b.) once they know they still won’t care.
Gnosticism is also present in many of the liberal mainline denominations.
Thanks for the post.
Good post. I think many of the early church patriarchs (Augustine, Polycarp, etc.) would not recognize many of the practices of todays churches including Roman Catholocism. As a side note, there is an interesting article entitled “What is Wordliness” posted by Banner of Truth which explains Paul’s battle with certain gnostics who attempted impose man’s standards of holiness (do not touch, do not taste-Colossions 2) on the first century church. That same tendancy is still alive among certain sects today.
As a Mormon, I more or less agree with this point.
Arianism — 4th Century Perhaps the most significant heresy faced by the Church, Arianism (named after Arius) taught that, as the Son of God, Christ was created by God the Father. Arius thus denied the Trinity by teaching that Jesus is less than fully divine.
I doubt many Mormons would agree that Jesus is less than fully divine.
Pelagianism — 5th Century Pelagius, a Welsh monk, taught that humanity does not inherit original sin, and that salvation is earned by following the example of Christ. Grace is not necessary; instead, humans overcome the sin they gradually develop by using God’s grace to assist them in perfecting themselves and thus earning salvation.
Mormonism teaches that Jesus Christ atoned for original sin; therefore, original sin is not inherited. That part I can agree with.
However, I would not say that salvation is "earned." It is true that we must follow the example of Jesus Christ; but it is only though God's grace that we may be perfected and receive the gift of eternal life. (Some have said that Mormons are "semi-Pelagians.")
I would give this post 1.75 out of 3 for its discussion of Mormonism. Not bad, considering how often Mormonism is mischaracterized on these threads.
We had a deacon in our parish in Oklahoma who was a Church History instructor. He like to say, “You can’t keep a good heresy down!”
There have been almost 2,000 years of Christianity, so every misunderstanding has already been around by now.
Thanks for the post Mark.
**Modern Groups: Seventh-Day Adventists; followers of Herbert W. Armstrong. **
Glad to know this one.
bump
Heresies then and now: ancient Christian heresies practiced in modern times
The Rev. John Piper: an interesting look at "heresy vs. schism"
Pietism as an Ecclesiological Heresy
Arian Heresy Still Tempts, Says Cardinal Bertone (Mentions Pelagianism As Well)
Catholic Discussion] Church group stays faithful (to heresy!)
Where heresy and dissent abound [Minnesota]
Gnostic Gospels - the heresy entitled "Gnosticism."
The So-Called ‘Gospel’ of Judas: Unmasking an Ancient Heresy
I know it is not a heresy - but Arminianism is rampant in the church. I believe this is an aberration, is really bad theology. Charismatics, Methodists, Salvation Army, Nazarenes, for instance, hold that it is possible to lose “eternal life” through one’s own actions. The big question: what is the definition of “eternal?”
Basic logic tells me that this makes no sense. Which is it?
What do you call the heresy that claims that since Jesus was supposed to be sinless and perfect, he could not have been born of the human race and, therefore, was a specially created human embryo implanted in Mary’s uterus but not genetically of human lineage from Adam and Eve?
This is accurate as far as it goes...which isn't very far. Most sabbatarians and those who observe God's other biblical holy days do not observe them to "be saved". Rather, we observe them BECAUSE we are saved and wish to honor and serve the Lord by living in obedience to Him.
The article makes it sound horrible to follow the bible instead of Christian tradition. Christian tradition is the author of Sunday observance and the observance of holidays such as Easter and Christmas. God specifically tells his followers which days he created holy, the 7th day sabbath being but one.
Gen 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Gen 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
These are heresies? LOL.
Of course they're not necessary for salvation, but they are obedience to God's word, which does bring its own blessings.
Especially regarding the Sabbath... if that Commandment can so easily be tossed why should one follow the other nine?
bump for a later read
Americanism, Then and Now: Our Pet Heresy (encyclical of Pope Leo XIII)
Heresies then and now: ancient Christian heresies practiced in modern times
The Plain Truth About The Baptist Bride Heresy
Balthasar, Hell, and Heresy: An Exchange (is it compatable with the Catholic faith?)
Heresies then and now: ancient Christian heresies practiced in modern times
The Rev. John Piper: an interesting look at "heresy vs. schism"
Pietism as an Ecclesiological Heresy
Arian Heresy Still Tempts, Says Cardinal Bertone (Mentions Pelagianism As Well)
Catholic Discussion] Church group stays faithful (to heresy!)
An overview of modern anti-Trinitarian heresies
Christian mavericks find affirmation in ancient heresies
Where heresy and dissent abound [Minnesota]
Gnostic Gospels - the heresy entitled "Gnosticism."
The So-Called ‘Gospel’ of Judas: Unmasking an Ancient Heresy
Benedict XVI Heresies and Errors
The Heresy of Mohammed (Chapter 4, The Great Heresies)