In this rigorous and provocative study, Joe E. Morrisargues that the basic tenets and practices of Fundamentalism are those of ancient Christian Gnosticism. Drawing on extensive research andcareful analysis, Morris aligns the two religious phenomena, point by point, tenet by tenet.Along the way, he provides insights into the key hermeneutic of Fundamentalism: inerrancy of Scripture, highlighting the multiple problems with the positions of literal and inerrant interpretation, their impracticality and unfeasibility, and their contradiction with their own conservative doctrine – namely, the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. This groundbreaking book dramatically recasts our understanding of the history of Christianity and gives important context to modern-day religious debates.
Inhoudsopgave
PART I: GNOSTICISM The Gnostic Gospels The Basic Tenets of Gnosticism The Origins of Gnosticism The Influence of Gnosticism on the Development and Growth of Christianity The Response of the Early Church to Gnosticism PART II: FUNDAMENTALISM The Origins of Fundamentalism The Basic Tenets of Fundamentalism PART III: GNOSTICISM AND FUNDAMENTALISM Revival of the Gnostic Heresy: Fundamentalism The Differences between Gnosticism and Fundamentalism The Case against Inerrancy Psychological Issues and Implications An Alternative to Dualism: Incarnation: ‘The Word Made Flesh’ Gnosticism, Fundamentalism, and Orthodoxy: Where Do We Go From Here?
Over de auteur
JOE E. MORRIS is a psychologist, retired United Methodist Minister and the author of
Land Where My Fathers Died.