Philosophumena or the Refutation of All Heresies, Formerly Attributed to Origen, but Now to Hippolytus, Bishop and Martyr, Who Flourished About 220 Translated From the Text of Cruice, Vol. 2

by Hippolytus of Rome

This book is a valuable source for the study of early Christian sects and heresies and is of crucial significance for understanding the evolution of Christian thought. The author lived in the early third century AD and knew many of the Gnostics he describes. The book is a refutation of their teachings; however, the accounts are remarkably detailed considering the polemical purpose of the writing, and this makes the work indispensable for anyone interested in the origins of Christianity. The author describes the Gnostics' doctrines and practices, and he argues against them using a combination of reason, scripture, and tradition. His arguments provide fascinating glimpses into the beliefs and practices of these early Christian sects.

219 pages, Paperback

First published July 19, 2015

About the author

Hippolytus of Rome (170 – 235 AD) was the most important 3rd-century theologian in the Christian Church in Rome, where he was probably born. He came into conflict with the popes of his time and seems to have headed a schismatic group as a rival Bishop of Rome. He opposed the Roman bishops who softened the penitential system to accommodate the large number of new pagan converts. However, he was very probably reconciled to the Church when he died as a martyr.

Starting in the 4th century AD, various legends arose about him, identifying him as a priest of the Novatianist schism or as a soldier converted by Saint Lawrence. He has also been confused with another martyr of the same name. Pius IV identifies him as "Saint Hippolytus, Bishop of Pontus" who was martyred in the reign of Alexander Severus through his inscription on a statue found at the Church of St. Lawrence in Rome and kept at the Vatican as photographed and published in Brunsen.

Reviews

[Oğuzhan Çakıroğlu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dönemine göre güzel kitap, akılcı ve mantıklı yaklaşımları ile dönemin çoğu fikirlerine, uygulamalarına reddiye yapıyor. Okumaya gerek yok