Early Christian Thought: Patristic Period and Heresies
The Patristic Period and the Formation of Christian Doctrine
The Patristic Christian writings played a crucial role in forming the official doctrine of the Church. Philosophically speaking, it can be challenging to distinguish between some later Christian writers who were considered heretics and the Fathers of the Church. The mission of the Patristic period was to provide a more unified religious terminology, clarify concepts, and make every effort to end disputes. It also had to differentiate between the Patristic Greek authors and Latin authors, particularly regarding issues such as the Trinity: the Greek Fathers believed in three persons in one God, while the Latin Fathers believed in a God who raised Jesus to speak in His name. Ultimately, the Greek conception prevailed.
Three Stages of Patristic History
The history of the Patristic period is divided into three stages:
- Up to 200 AD – The Apologetic Period: This period focused on defending Christianity against paganism. Key figures include Justin and Tertullian, who wrote brief, minor philosophical works.
- 200 to 450 AD – Development of Doctrines: This period saw a focus on the development of Christian doctrines. A prominent figure during this time was Augustine of Hippo, whose influence would be felt until the beginning of the 12th-century Scholastic period.
- From 450 AD Onward – Review and Consolidation: This period was primarily a time of review, with Pseudo-Dionysius being a figure of importance.
This systematization and specification of concepts were necessary due to the different interpretations of the Gospel among Christian communities, many of which would eventually be considered heretical.
Early Christian Heresies
Gnosticism
The Gnostics were among the first Christian movements. They sought to understand ultimate truths by blending Christianity, Hellenistic philosophy, and Eastern religions. They believed that salvation was only possible through knowledge. Key features of Gnosticism include:
- The God of the Old Testament is not the true God but a kind of demiurge, a lower-ranking god who created the world and lost control of it, leading to punishment.
- Revelation is given to show the true God.
- Not everyone can know the true God, as He is beyond reality and the laws of the Church.
- The Gnostic God was considered feminine.
Manichaeism
Manichaeism, founded by Mani in the 3rd century, linked Judaism, Christianity, and Buddhism. It posited two fundamental substances: light (God) and darkness (evil, the devil). These substances, though separate, are constantly trying to expand and combine, resulting in conflict in this world. Humans must fight to impose the good, which will lead to human progress.
Arianism
Arianism, driven by Arius, was considered a major heresy within Christianity. Arius’s writings were burned. He believed that Jesus was not God but merely a man created by God. Arianism was deemed heretical at the Council of Nicaea but persisted until the 8th century due to its large number of followers.
Pelagianism
Pelagianism, created by Pelagius, a contemporary of Augustine of Hippo, centered on the concept of free will. Pelagius believed that humans are born without sin, and there is no transmission of original sin. We only become sinners when we freely choose to sin. He also argued that bodily desires are natural processes, not sinful, and that baptism is unnecessary in the absence of original sin. To be saved, one must follow the law and the Gospels; the Church is not the sole path to salvation.