Heresy & Orthodoxy: The Diversity of Early Christianity

The Gospel of Thomas

§ Nag Hammadi Library—copied ca. 350; discovered 1945

§ Thomas very early: Egyptian fragments from 200

§ Originated probably in Edessa: between 50-150, probably ca. 100

§ Judas Didymus Thomas

§ Synoptic Problem and “Q”

§ Canonical Sayings Trad—e.g.: 9,10, 20, 26, 31, 47, 63, 64, 65, 76, 89, 95, 96, 109—many considered more “authentic”

Marcion of Sinope (d. 160)

§ Ca. 135 moves to Rome: wrote The Contradictions

§ Two Gods: God of Hebrew Bible/Jews & God of Jesus/New Testament/Christians

§ Canon=only Luke/Acts & 10 Pauline letters

§ Asceticism, Docetism

Gnosticism (see handout)

· Two Primary Characteristics:

1. Salvation by Knowledge

2. Creation by a “second god”: the “Demiurge”; “Craftsman”

· Combination of Platonic and Judeo-Christian mythology

The NT Canon

§ Athanasius: 367

§ Ca 300:

Almost Everyone Agrees On:	Most Agree On But Disputed:	Most Disagree On:
a. Mt, Mk, Lk, Jn, Acts b. Paul-except Pastorals c. 1 Jn	a. 2 & 3 Jn b. Hebrews c. James & Jude d. Pastorals	a. Revelation b. Didache c. 1 Clement