1. Early Church Teachings (Acts – 250 AD)

2. Vocabulary Orthodox right teaching Heterodox other teaching, possibly dangerous Heresy false teaching, definitely dangerous Monotheism Belief in one God Polytheism Belief in many gods

3. Spreading the Word Teachings passed from person to person Oral tradition Example - John (the disciple) taught Polycarp (Bp. of Smyrna) who taught Irenaeus (Bp. of Lyons) Apostles’ teachings on same level w/ OT Gospels mentioned by Irenaeus Full New Testament by mid 300s

4. Threat of Gnosticism Natural world – bad! Saved by secret knowledge (gnosis) God of OT and “Father” are different OT God – Justice Father – Love Said their teachings what Jesus really meant Secret tradition from Peter and Paul

5. Threat of Gnosticism, continued Church response Why didn’t Peter and Paul teach this openly? Writings disagreed w/ other apostles’ teachings Gnostic writings Gospels of Thomas, Truth, Philip, Mary Magdalene, Judas Gnostic threat helped the church be very careful about what was included in the New Testament Written by an apostle or under apostle’s guidance? Does it agree with known apostolic teachings?

6. Other False Teachings Develop Monotheism was emphasized more than salvation. Why? Culture was polytheistic Christians were accused of polytheism Worshipped Father, Son and Holy Spirit Early heresies – attempts to explain relationship between Father and Son

7. Early Heresies about Christ Father just took on mode of Son Son was true man but adopted as Christ Issues don’t get resolved until 300s Reason for Nicene Creed