Heretics for Armchair Theologians
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About this ebook
In this unique Armchair volume, noted church historians Justo and Catherine Gonzalez introduce readers to important early church figures whose teachings were denounced by the church as heresies. Instructional for what they taught and for revealing what the church wished to safeguard and uphold, these "heretics," including Marcion, Arius, Nestorius, and Pelagius, are engagingly presented in their contexts through a clear and accessible text that is highlighted by the humorous illustrations of Ron Hill. Heretics for Armchair Theologians is an enjoyable way to learn about the church's early life and beliefs.
Written by experts but designed for the novice, the Armchair series provides accurate, concise, and witty overviews of some of the most profound moments and theologians in Christian history. These books are essential supplements for first-time encounters with primary texts, lucid refreshers for scholars and clergy, and enjoyable reads for the theologically curious.
Justo L. Gonzalez
Justo L. González, retired professor of historical theology and author of the highly praised three-volume History of Christian Thought, attended United Seminary in Cuba and was the youngest person to be awarded a Ph. D in historical theology at Yale University. Over the past thirty years he has focused on developing programs for the theological education of Hispanics, and he has received four honorary doctorates.
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Reviews for Heretics for Armchair Theologians
9 ratings3 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5An excellent little book covering the major “heretics” of the first five centuries. The authors do not try to present these men as evil or anti-Christian at all. On the contrary, they were sincere people trying to understand the Christian faith in their own context, asking important questions and seeking to lead others to what they took to be a fuller understanding of the Gospel. The authors eventually describe a “heretic” as a person who carries one truth about God too far, such that it distorts other doctrine. For example, who can comprehend the Trinity? The divine mystery gets out of balance by focusing too heavily on any one aspect.You’ll see how Marcion’s early ideas shaped Christianity; heretical views did serve a role in sharpening Christian theology. You’ll learn how Augustine battled Pelagius. You’ll learn about the Ebionites, Docetists, Gnostics, and Montanists. You’ll learn how Christology developed and the Trinitarian battles, which the authors explain with a cute baseball analogy.All of this is extremely well-written, informative yet friendly. The book goes into just enough theology as necessary to paint a descriptive picture of each Christian offshoot. Very highly recommended and fun to read.Westminster John Knox Press, © 2008ISBN: 978-0-664-23205-4Reviewed on Logos Bible Software
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A good "for dummies”-style summary of the major early Christian heretics: the Gnostics, Montanists, Pelegians etc.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5As with most of what I've read by Justo L. González, I enjoyed this book a lot. It is an excellent, though simplified, introduction to Christian heresies from first century Ebionism and Docetism to the Monophysite heresy and the Council of Chalcedon in 451.As always, González offers a thoroughly readable and engaging discussion of the topics at hand. His comparisons of the ancient heresies with some modern-day sects is not only rather brave on his part but also very informative. And, for the kid in you, there's cartoons too! (Though I have to admit that I didn't find the humor of most of them...)I recommend this book for someone who doesn't know much about the ancient heresies and wants a basic, simple introduction to begin to broaden their knowledge.