Freethought & Rationalism Archive

stephan huller · 04-29-2013, 07:35 PM

I notice that Birger Pearson didn't like Brakke's book:

Quote:

Chapter 4 is devoted to "Unity and Diversity in Second-Century Rome"and includes discussions of Marcion, Valentinus, and Justin Martyr. In the final chapter ("Strategies of Self-Differentiation") Brakke argues that there was no single church that could accept or reject anything, even if Irenaeus and other bishops laid the basis for the "catholic church" at the end of the second century. He ignores the work of St. Ignatius of Antioch, who provides the earliest attestation to the "catholic church" and the monarchical episcopacy.

It unfortunately must be concluded that Brakke's book is disappointing, especially in its treatment of ancient Gnosticism.

http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&typ....4.pearson.pdf

Horatio Parker · 04-29-2013, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephan huller

I notice that Birger Pearson didn't like Brakke's book:

Quote:

Chapter 4 is devoted to "Unity and Diversity in Second-Century Rome"and includes discussions of Marcion, Valentinus, and Justin Martyr. In the final chapter ("Strategies of Self-Differentiation") Brakke argues that there was no single church that could accept or reject anything, even if Irenaeus and other bishops laid the basis for the "catholic church" at the end of the second century. He ignores the work of St. Ignatius of Antioch, who provides the earliest attestation to the "catholic church" and the monarchical episcopacy.

It unfortunately must be concluded that Brakke's book is disappointing, especially in its treatment of ancient Gnosticism.

http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&typ....4.pearson.pdf

Thanks for the heads up, I'll keep it in mind if the hold ever comes through and I actually get a chance to read the book.

None of the points raised, whether Gnostics are Christians, whether or not they had communion, or if the Sethians were Gnostic etc, interest me.

The single most important thing about Gnosticism, to me at this point, is the emphasis on the individuals path to salvations as opposed to the traditional model of being saved only if the Official Designated Representative of God says you are.

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