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The New Testament Apocrypha refers to a collection of early Christian writings that were not included in the canonical New Testament due to questions about their authenticity, authorship, or theological content. These texts offer valuable insights into early Christian thought, diversity, and the development of Christian doctrine, despite their non-canonical status.
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The Canon of Scripture refers to the collection of books that are considered authoritative and inspired in a religious tradition, serving as the foundational texts for faith and practice. The process of canonization involved historical, theological, and community considerations, resulting in different canons for various religious groups, such as the Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
Early Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE as a sect within Judaism, rapidly expanding across the Roman Empire despite facing persecution. It was characterized by the development of core doctrines, the formation of the New Testament canon, and the establishment of ecclesiastical structures that laid the foundation for the global Christian Church.
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Gnosticism is a collection of ancient religious ideas and systems which originated in the early Christian era, emphasizing esoteric knowledge (gnosis) as the path to spiritual enlightenment and salvation. It often posits a dualistic cosmology, contrasting a flawed material world with a transcendent divine realm, and typically presents a critique of orthodox religious teachings.
Pseudepigrapha refers to ancient texts that are attributed to authors who did not actually write them, often used to lend authority to the writings by associating them with famous figures. These works are significant in the study of religious and historical contexts, particularly within Jewish and Christian traditions, as they provide insights into the beliefs, practices, and socio-political environments of their times.
Textual criticism is the scholarly discipline that seeks to establish the original text of a document by examining and comparing the various copies and versions that have been made over time. This process involves identifying and correcting errors or alterations that may have occurred during the transmission of the text through history.
The Church Fathers were influential theologians and leaders in early Christianity whose writings and teachings helped shape Christian doctrine and practices. Their works, produced between the 1st and 8th centuries, remain foundational in the study of Christian theology and ecclesiastical history.
Orthodoxy refers to the adherence to accepted and established beliefs or doctrines, often within a religious context, while heresy denotes beliefs or opinions that deviate from or challenge these established norms. These concepts are crucial in understanding the dynamics of authority, power, and dissent within religious and ideological systems, shaping the boundaries of accepted belief and practice.
Historical Theology is the study of the development and historical context of theological ideas and doctrines over time. It examines how theological concepts have evolved and been influenced by cultural, social, and political factors throughout history.
Biblical Apocrypha refers to a collection of ancient books that are included in some versions of the Bible but are considered non-canonical by certain religious traditions. These texts provide additional historical, theological, and moral insights but are not universally accepted as divinely inspired scripture across all denominations.
Ecclesiastical History is the study of the Christian Church's development, organization, and influence throughout history, encompassing theological, social, and political dimensions. It examines the church's role in shaping societies and cultures, as well as its internal transformations and doctrinal evolutions over time.
The Muratorian Fragment is an ancient manuscript, dated to around the late 2nd century, that provides one of the earliest known lists of New Testament writings. It offers valuable insights into the formation of the Christian biblical canon, reflecting early church views on authoritative texts.
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