Lost Christianities summary

Exploring the Diverse Early Christianities

In Lost Christianities by Bart D. Ehrman, we embark on an intriguing journey through the diverse and often conflicting beliefs and practices that characterized early Christianity. Ehrman begins by challenging the common notion that early Christianity was a monolithic faith, asserting that in reality, it was a rich tapestry of competing beliefs and practices.

He introduces us to a variety of Christian sects, from the Ebionites, who adhered to Jewish law and rejected Paul's teachings, to the Gnostics, who believed in a secret knowledge that could lead to salvation. Ehrman also discusses the Marcionites, who rejected the Old Testament and believed in a radical dualism between the God of the Old Testament and the God of Jesus Christ.

Exploring the Lost Gospels

One of the most fascinating aspects of Lost Christianities is Ehrman's exploration of the 'lost' or non-canonical gospels. He discusses the Gospel of Thomas, a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus, and the Gospel of Peter, which offers a strikingly different account of the crucifixion. He also delves into the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, which presents Mary as a prominent disciple and a recipient of secret teachings from Jesus.

These gospels, Ehrman argues, were not included in the New Testament canon for political and theological reasons. Instead, the early Church leaders favored the four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to promote a unified Christian identity and suppress the diversity of beliefs and practices.

Orthodoxy vs. Heresy

Ehrman then turns his attention to the process of establishing orthodox Christian beliefs and practices, and the concurrent labeling of opposing views as heretical. He explains how the Church Fathers, such as Irenaeus and Tertullian, played a crucial role in defining and defending orthodox Christianity, while condemning other beliefs as deviant and dangerous.

The formation of the New Testament canon, Ehrman argues, was a political and ideological process, driven by the desire to consolidate power and authority within the Church. This process involved the selection and rejection of various texts, often based on the theological preferences of the ruling elite.

The Triumph of Orthodoxy

In the latter part of Lost Christianities, Ehrman details the eventual triumph of orthodox Christianity, as it gained increasing political and social power in the Roman Empire. He describes the suppression of 'heretical' groups and the destruction of their texts, as well as the rise of creeds and doctrinal statements to define and defend orthodox beliefs.

Despite the eventual dominance of orthodox Christianity, Ehrman concludes by emphasizing the significance of these 'lost' Christianities. He argues that understanding the diversity and complexity of early Christianity is essential for a more complete understanding of the development of Christian thought and practice.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Lost Christianities offers a thought-provoking exploration of the early Christian movement, shedding light on the diversity of beliefs, practices, and texts that existed before the establishment of orthodox Christianity. Ehrman's work challenges us to reconsider our assumptions about the origins and development of Christianity and to appreciate the rich tapestry of beliefs that characterized its early history.