Know the Heretics
This course will introduce you to the major heresies in Christian history, outlining not just the false teachings themselves but also the orthodox response to each one and their ongoing contemporary relevance.
At a Glance
- Introduction to the heresies dealt with over the history of Christianity
- Insights into why a deep understanding of correct Christian doctrine matters
- Access to all course material—video lectures; lessons; key concept reviews, and quizzes
- Access to the ebook "Know the Heretics" within the course and via an eReader
- Access to the Cerego learning system to build memory retention of course objectives
- 24/7 access for 12 months to complete the course at your own pace
More Details
This online course features the textbook "Know the Heretics" by professor of theology, Justin Holcomb. The course introduces you to the major heresies in Christian history, outlining not just the false teachings themselves but also the orthodox response to each one and their ongoing contemporary relevance.
Each unit covers a simple explanation of the unorthodox teaching, the orthodox response and a key defender, and reflections of contemporary relevance for application in today's world. As a part of the KNOW series, the Know the Heretics course is designed for personal study and traditional students, as well as small groups and Sunday school groups wanting to more deeply understand the foundations of the faith.
Course Outline
- Introduction: Why Heresy?
- Judaizers: The Old Rules Still Apply
- Gnostics: God Hides Messages for the Enlightened
- Marcion: Vengeful Yahweh versus Gentle Jesus
- Docetists: The Spiritual Is Good, the Physical Is Evil
- Mani: God Must Be Freed
- Sabellius: One Actor and Three Hats
- Midterm Exam
- Arius: Jesus Is a Lesser God
- Apollinarius: Christ May Be Human, but His Mind Is Divine
- Pelagius: God Has Already Given Us the Tools
- Eutyches: Christ as a New Kind of Being
- Nestorius: Christ’s Divinity Must Be Shielded
- Socinus: The Trinity Is Irrelevant and Jesus’s Death Is Only an Example
- Conclusion
- Final Exam
About the Technology
Author & Instructor
Dr. Justin Holcomb
Ph.D., Emory University
Justin Holcomb is an Episcopal priest and a professor of theology and Christian thought at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Reformed Theological Seminary. He previously taught at the University of Virginia and Emory University. He has authored, co-authored, and edited several books, including On the Grace of God, Know the Heretics, and Know the Creeds and Councils, on which this course is based. He lives with his wife and daughters in Orlando, Florida.
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