So much information.........but I'd love to learn more.
Thanks for the link, Jay. I wasn't so much interested in narrowing the focus to the Gospel of Thomas, but I was interested in the "chaos" reported between so-called Christian factions during the first few centuries. I only assume - I admittedly can't make an educated guess - that Ehrman's definition of the "proto-orthodox" Christians that eventually won the religion's establishment made up the majority of Christianity, and that groups like the Ebionites, the Marconites, and the Gnostics all collectively made up a small minority.
I'm not familiar with Ehrman's writings at all. I am also very ignorant when it comes to early Christian history. But how chaotic was it during the first few centuries? Was the gradual process of canonical establishment (deutero-canon BTW) due to varying groups coming together amicably through debate and discussion, and then slowly coming to an agreement?
How much were politics involved? Money? Were there any battles fought over the issue? Is Bart Ehrman making a case that power was the main influence over establishing the canon?
I thank everyone for their patience over my lack of knowledge and understanding.
Peace,
Mystic
Thanks for the link, Jay. I wasn't so much interested in narrowing the focus to the Gospel of Thomas, but I was interested in the "chaos" reported between so-called Christian factions during the first few centuries. I only assume - I admittedly can't make an educated guess - that Ehrman's definition of the "proto-orthodox" Christians that eventually won the religion's establishment made up the majority of Christianity, and that groups like the Ebionites, the Marconites, and the Gnostics all collectively made up a small minority.
I'm not familiar with Ehrman's writings at all. I am also very ignorant when it comes to early Christian history. But how chaotic was it during the first few centuries? Was the gradual process of canonical establishment (deutero-canon BTW) due to varying groups coming together amicably through debate and discussion, and then slowly coming to an agreement?
How much were politics involved? Money? Were there any battles fought over the issue? Is Bart Ehrman making a case that power was the main influence over establishing the canon?
I thank everyone for their patience over my lack of knowledge and understanding.
Peace,
Mystic