Required reading
Ante-Nicene Fathers (Volume 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read 'The prescription against heretics'.
My summary
This week Tertullian argues rather broadly against heretics.
He speaks about:
(i) the contagious nature of heresy;
(ii) the condemnation of heresy given in the New Testament;
(iii) the relationship between pagan philosophy and heresy;
(iv) misuse of the scriptures by heretics to justify their heresies;
(v) the dependence of true doctrine on the teachings of the apostles;
(vi) the heretic Marcion and others like him;
(vii) the immorality of heretics.
What grabbed me
Tertullian called the women of heretics 'wanton': ' The very women of these heretics, how wanton they are! For they are bold enough to teach, to dispute, to enact exorcisms, to undertake cures—it may be even to baptize.'
When I saw the word 'wanton', I was expecting Tertullian to speak about sexual immorality.
But instead Tertullian is outraged by women assuming authority in the church.
Sadly I don't think many Christians today would share Tertullian's view of such behaviour.
Next week's reading
Read Book I of 'The five books against Marcion'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment