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Man-Made Tradition vs Apostolic Tradition

...know your heresy What about the Bible? Scripture was canonised to preserve and teach the basics of the Gospel and the way of salvation. Not everything that was written was canonised but certain other texts were held as important for teaching within the early church The dependence on other people in the church body for learning and interpretation possibly came from taking those with the teaching gift seriously as Spirit led individuals, which Scripture expects (James 3:1; 1 Tim 3:2), and also from an understanding of Peter’s epistle warning against just making up your own interpretations: 2 Peter 1:20First of all you must understand this, that no prophe...

What does the word "Catholic" mean?

...group or heresy which had come before, as their error was not in the nature of Christ or some other aspect of Christology, but rather about ecclesiology.[3] Donatists claimed to represent the true Church and took for themselves the title of “catholic”. This struck against the historical, orthodox Church, which had been universally known as “the catholic church” (ἡ καθολική ἐκκλησία). The Donatists set about to create marks upon which catholicity could be tested—marks that were obviously only found within their congregations (such as the integrity of the believers, and purity and holiness of the community). This forced the historic C...

Why Read The Early Church Fathers?

...s against heresy and helped to continue and shape the Church in its most formative years. Some of the earlier Christian leaders of the 2nd Century were discipled and taught by the Apostles themselves. Those include Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch and Polycarp of Smyrna. Still others in mid-2nd century were then taught by those who knew the men who were taught by some of the Apostles. One of the more well-known Bishops who was second generation to the Apostles was Irenaeus (best known for his extensive apologetic works, Against Heresies). From chapter 21 onward in my book, I look at a few writers from beyond this period (around 356) up until AD 449 where...

Unveiling the Trinity: Exploring the Nature of Jesus and the Incarnation

...the Arian heresy, emphasising that the Word (Logos) became incarnate to save humanity. Nicaea and Nicene Creed: The First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD played a pivotal role in addressing theological controversies about the nature of Christ and produced the Nicene Creed, which affirms the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father. Augustine of Hippo (354-430): Augustine played a crucial role in formulating the doctrine of the Trinity. His work "De Trinitate" explored the nature of the Godhead as three persons in one essence. The Trinity (Guides to theology) If you want a good, brief introduction to this topic, I recommend this book by Roger E. Olson and...

Melchizedek to Jesus: The Divine Thread of Bread and Wine

...e docetic heresy, who said, “they confess not the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Smyrnaeans, VII) and he even calls it the “medicine of immortality” in his letter to the Ephesians; to Justin Martyr (c.150) who explained that is it not received as “common bread and common drink” and that “our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished” (First Apology, LXVI). Jerome also recognises a connection with Melchizedek, when he says, “After the type had been fulfilled by the Passover celebration and He had eaten the flesh of the lamb with His Apostles, He takes bread which strengthens the heart of man, and goes on to the t...

The Battle for the Trinity: Historical Heresies and Church Defences

...The Trinity is a cornerstone of Christian faith, defining God as one Being in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, throughout history, various misunderstandings and false teachings — known as heresies — have arisen, challenging this core doctrine. Understanding these heresies can strengthen our faith and deepen our appreciation for the truths held by the Church since its earliest days. What Is the Trinity? Before diving into the heresies, let’s briefly review what we mean by the Trinity. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity teaches that God is one essence in three distinct Persons: The Father: The Creator and sustainer of al...