Heresy is big business these days especially in our postmodern culture. When it is cool to go against the grain by going against the grain, heresy is natural. To question orthodoxy is itself orthodox in a postmodern culture. Recently one of the smartest men in the world and an excellent historical theologian Alister McGrath published a book on the subject of heresy called Heresy: A History of Defending the Truth
.What McGrath offers is not a theological treatment of various heretical beliefs throughout the Church's history. Instead what he offers is an academic critique, historical and psychological purposes and drives behind heresy in the Christian tradition. This is important to note. McGrath is not trying to show how Arianism or Valintenianism is heretical, he assumes them to be heretical. He seeks to critique the movements and find out why heresy is so common and what drives them.
One of the most helpful discussions in the book is McGrath's discussion of Walter Bauer's thesis that heresy is simply orthodoxy that lost its vote. The argument is that in the early years of Christianity, there was no unified doctrine and theology. Instead Christianity was made up of diverse beliefs. Though not making this the purpose of his book, McGrath shows that this theory is false. Bauer argues that orthodoxy is inherently authoritatively that snuffed out diverting opinions.
The problem with this thesis is that it is inconsistent. To make such an argument suggests that many of the early heresies (like Pelagianism) were themselves very restrictive, authoritarian, and oppressive (if we can use the word in a postmodern sense). What Bauer accuses of orthodoxy could equally be applied to heresy not to mention the fact that neither Canon of Scripture or orthodoxy was ever voted on by an oppressive council. That is simply not true.
Another important aspect of the book is the discussion of how culture and society influences theology. McGrath looks at the several heresies highlighted in the book reflect the theology and philosophy prevalent at that time. I find this to be one of the greatest motivations of heresy and liberalism. A desire to be more like the culture or the ignorance that one is being shaped by culture and not the gospel is powerful and explains much of what leads to heresy and liberalism.
Overall, this is a good book like all of McGrath's other books. Though for the new reader there are some dangers in reading the book as it would be easy to think McGrath is saying something he isn't. For example, it sounds like McGrath argues early on that there was a diversity in Christian beliefs in the Early Church. This is only true t a certain extent. The Church established orthodoxy at the cross of Christ. That was not up for discussion (just read the New Testament), but what was being debated were other areas of life.
So anyone interested in the discussion, you may like this one. If nothing else, it is an interesting read and the discussion the author gives regarding some of the more popular heresies of the Early Church are worth your read.
For more:
Reviews - "Christianity's Dangerous Idea" by Alister McGrath
The Bondage of the Will
Three Treatises Paper
- In 1520, Martin Luther wrote . . . a lot. Three of his most famous works were published that same year: The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, The Freedom of the Christian, and To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation. Each of these works are must reads for everyone who wants to know more about Luther. This is a helpful book as it puts these three famous treatises together in one book. Perhaps my favorite of the three is The Freedom of the Christian as I find its thesis important for today: A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none, a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one.
Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings (w/ CD-ROM)
- For those wanting a taste of some of Luther's greatest theological works, sermons, etc., perhaps the first place to turn is this book. It contains sections from the four books already mentioned above and offers readings from Luther as a pastor, theologian, debater, professor, catechizer, etc. The CD is helpful and is worth the price itself. Before each reading, the editors provide the reader with an introduction to the reading with a full discussion of its context, history, and impact. This is a great resource and a must have for everyone that studies and enjoys Luther.
A Reformation Debate
- This little book is the collection of two letters. The first is from the Catholic Jacopo Sadoleto written to those in Geneva calling them to reject the Reformation and return to Roman Catholicism. The second letter is from the pen of John Calvin who defends the cause of Reformation. Calvin's letter is much longer and lays out the basic tenants of justification by faith and the problems he has with the Church of his time. An introductory chapter is given by the editor to fill the reader in on the context and history of the letters and their impact. This is an interesting little book that says a lot in such little space.
Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther (Hendrickson Classic Biographies)
- This is by far the best biography on Martin Luther and history has revealed that. Some say that the more recent 
by Heiko Oberman is better but I beg to differ. Bainton offers great scholarship, insight, and great writing as he tells the story of this great Reformer. If you only read one biography on Luther, let it be this one. The author has since passed away, but provides the reader with the best introduction to his life, writings, and theology.
Luther's Works, Volume 54: Table Talk
- If you ever want to read Luther, "off the record," his Table Talk is the place to go. These are a collection of says recorded by those at Luther's dinner table. Luther is all over the map giving his opinion on virtually every topic. Some of the sayings seem random and without purpose, but Luther is quit quotable in his table talk. There are many different versions of the Table Talk out there, some more abridged than others. If you want the unabridged version, go out and buy the English version of Luther's works.
A Reformation Reader: Primary Texts With Introductions
- This is a great resource for primary readings from the Reformation. Admittedly, the section on Martin Luther could have been longer, but the editors goal is to provide the reader with primary sources from all over the Reformation including and beyond the German monk. For those wanting to read from the sources itself, this is a good place to start.
In a postmodern age of tolerance and relativity, next to the doctrine of hell, perhaps the most hated Christian doctrine is the exclusivity of the gospel. Nobody likes to discuss it and many either hide it under the rug or deny it all together. The guilt shows up like this, "you mean to tell me that billions of people alive today will eventually go to hell once they die since most reject Christ and his gospel?" At that point, we all take a huge gulp and try to sly our way out of the controversy.
, John MacArthur defends the doctrine of the gospel's exclusivity in light of our postmodern culture. It is important to note that this little book is not a defense of exclusivism. Instead, MacArthur simply says that the gospel is exclusive and then proceeds to show how this doctrine contradicts postmodernity.
One of my favorite professors at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is Dr. Russell Moore. In recent years, Moore has written what will likely become what he will most likely be remembered for. The book is called 
. As the title suggests, this is a book about adoption, but as the reader turns through the pages, it becomes clear that this book is about so much more.