a)
Pagels moves us in and out of the political, theological,
spiritual, and socially complex early Christian world. Her
focus on the faith practice of early Christian communities
reveals more about belief, interpretation, heresy, trust,
promise of redemption, and coercion. We learn more about
the Secret Book (a text we are not reading, but that is
similar in its 'Gnostic' character to Thomas' gospel). The
Bishop Irenaeus is a central figure in the early Christian
interpretation of Genesis, of who/what is Jesus, what
constitutes proper 'right belief' and who may be 'saved'.
This
chapter connects both with Pagels' "Gospels in
conflict: John and Thomas," and with "One
Bishop; One God." [Look again: Why is Irenaeus so
instistent?]
While
we open our class with Thomas, we will also add to our
discussion of what is belief or 'faith'(from last class -
comparing belief/redemption in Mark, Matt and John). In
this way, we may address the questions: What does it mean
to believe in God/Jesus? (Valentinus and Heracleon vs.
Irenaeus - taken up by Augustine, Eusibus and eventually
Emperor Constantine.)
Who
does Constantine favor /support and why? What do the
'other' Christians do?
