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The concept of Heresies in Christianity

In Protestantism and Early Christianity, heresies are defined as beliefs condemned for misrepresenting the nature of the divine or denying the authority of sacred texts. Specific groups like the Manichaeans and Marcionites exemplify such deviations. These heresies are seen as rooted in flawed philosophy and are labeled as sinful and dangerous, emphasizing the need to avoid them due to their negative influence. Ultimately, heresies challenge established religious doctrines and serve to test the faith of believers.

Synonyms: Dissent, Heterodoxies, Apostasy, Blasphemy, Nonconformity

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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Heresies'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Heresies are mentioned in the context of the need for them, but they are not considered good, and they are listed among evils, similar to schisms and dissensions.[1] (2) These are presented as things that weaken and extinguish faith, causing dread, and are compared to fever in their destructive impact on individuals, and derive strength from weaknesses.[2] (3) This refers to the divergent religious doctrines that deviate from the established truth, which is a consequence of the difficulty in achieving the correct understanding, arising from self-love and vanity.[3] (4) Heresies are described as sad, dangerous, most atheistical, and something to be avoided, similar to how one would avoid a burning fire, because of the negative impact on those who come near it.[4] (5) Heresies are counted among the sins of the flesh, according to the text, and they are sharply condemned in almost every epistle, indicating a negative connotation and the importance of avoiding them.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Second Helvetic Confession

(1) These are beliefs, such as those of Artemon, the Manichaeans, the Valentinians, of Cerdon, and the Marcionites, that deny that the writings came from the Holy Spirit.[6] (2) This term refers to beliefs that are condemned, specifically those that deny the sacred Trinity or misrepresent the nature of the divine persons.[7]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) These are false teachings, against which Irenaeus wrote, and he quoted Revelation 20 times in his writings against them, viewing it as inspired Scripture.[8]