
Yet, when we begin to examine the history of the church, we discover that the concern for right belief is crucial in maintaining proper Christian identity. Christians have always believed that the gospel can transform the world and change lives. When someone was encountered who proclaimed a different message in the name of Jesus, the church responded, "No, that is really not Christianity."
When competing messages began to develop in the church, it took time for the church to sort through them. By the end of the second century, most Christians had agreed that some interpretations of Christianity were heresies. These heresies were known as Gnosticism, Marcionism, and Montanism.
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Previous Posts:
The Apologists #1: Introduction
The Apologists #2: Pagan Culture and Judaism
The Apologists #3: Justin Martyr, c. 100-165, part 1
The Apologists #4: Justin Martyr, c. 100-165, part 2
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