Novatian: Schismatic Saint or Heretic?
Novatian (c. 200-258) was a Roman theologian and priest who held unbending views on church purity and penance. After failing to be elected Bishop of Rome in 251, Novatian broke ties with the mainstream church and formed a dissident sect. Despite his controversial split, Novatian made important contributions to early Christian theology. Novatian’s Rigorous Theology […]
Arius, Presbyter of Alexandria: Controversial Theologian
Arius (c. 256–336 AD), a presbyter of Alexandria, remains a figure of significant theological controversy. Known primarily for his role in the Arian controversy, his teachings challenged the mainstream understanding of the Trinity, sparking a pivotal debate in early Christianity. His doctrine, which posited that the Son of God was not eternal and therefore not […]
Heresy – Definition, History, and Religious Context
Heresy, a term rooted in religious discourse, signifies a deviation from established religious teachings, particularly within Christian contexts. Its historical emergence reflects the church’s evolving understanding of orthodoxy and the boundaries of acceptable belief. This concept, while not explicitly termed ‘heresy’ in the Bible, aligns with admonitions against false teachings found in New Testament texts […]