Core Christianity Nine of the Most Notorious Ancient Heretics
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Mar 11, 2026 A brisk tour through nine notorious early heresies and their strange teachings. Topics include Gnostic tricks, dualistic gods, prophetic cults, and Trinitarian confusions. Discussions cover debates about Christ’s full humanity, the nature of grace versus human ability, and controversies over sacramental purity and Mary’s title.
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Heresy Versus Schism Distinction
- Heresy originally overlapped with schism but later narrowed to doctrinal deviation, distinguishing schismatics (prideful separaters) from heretics (those who injure the faith).
- St. Augustine and later theologians formalized the split into schism and heresy and then into formal versus material heresy.
Simon Magus As Archetype Of Gnosticism
- Simon Magus is treated by early fathers like Irenaeus as the prototypical heretic and alleged fountainhead of later Gnostic ideas.
- Irenaeus recounts Simon's claim about Helena as "mother of all" and links him to occult ambition like buying spiritual power.
Marcion's Radical Law Gospel Split
- Marcion separated Old Testament law from New Testament gospel, positing two gods: a lower demiurge and a higher God revealed by Christ.
- His rejection of the OT and anti-material stance exemplified Gnostic dualism and led to his excommunication around 144 AD.
