Know the Heretics
Zondervan Academic

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

Advanced

120 hours

 

This course can be taken for academic credit through the BibleMesh Institute: Click Here.

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

  1. Introduction: Why Heresy?
  2. Judaizers: The Old Rules Still Apply
  3. Gnostics: God Hides Messages for the Enlightened
  4. Marcion: Vengeful Yahweh versus Gentle Jesus
  5. Docetists: The Spiritual Is Good, the Physical Is Evil
  6. Mani: God Must Be Freed
  7. Sabellius: One Actor and Three Hats
  8. Midterm Exam
  9. Arius: Jesus Is a Lesser God
  10. Apollinarius: Christ May Be Human, but His Mind Is Divine
  11. Pelagius: God Has Already Given Us the Tools
  12. Eutyches: Christ as a New Kind of Being
  13. Nestorius: Christ’s Divinity Must Be Shielded
  14. Socinus: The Trinity Is Irrelevant and Jesus’s Death Is Only an Example
  15. Conclusion
  16. Final Exam

 

About the Technology

Author & Instructor

Justin Holcomb
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.