The Gospel according to Heretics: Discovering Orthodoxy through Early Christological Conflicts

In this volume, a recognized expert in early Christian theology covers the major christological heresies from the first eight centuries of Christianity. What did the ancient heretics say about Jesus and why? David Wilhite offers a charitable reading to carefully discern the concerns that led them to their conclusions, teaching orthodox Christology by explaining the false starts. While some studies offer a revisionist take on various individual figures, The Gospel according to Heretics takes a more comprehensive approach, covering the whole era of the ecumenical councils. It also situates Christianity in relation to Judaism and Islam.
Drawing on up-to-date scholarship yet accessible for beginning students, this engaging introduction to the christological heresies not only helps readers understand teachings about Jesus that the early church rejected but also shows how the history of theology is relevant for today's church. Professors and students in theology and church history courses, pastors, and interested laypeople will value this work.
Contents
Introduction: Defining Heresy, Revising Orthodoxy
1. Marcion: Supersessionism
2. Ebion: Adoptionism
3. Gnostics: Docetism
4. Sabellius: Modalism
5. Arius: Subordinationism
6. Apollinaris: Subhumanism
7. Nestorius: Dyoprosopitism
8. Eutyches: Monophysitism
9. Iconoclasts: Antirepresentationalism
10. Muslims: Reductionism
Conclusion: Heresy according to the Gospel
Index