jan 1, 165 - Theodotus

Description:

Theodotus advocates for an adoptionist/exaltational Christology and a twofold soteriology impacted by both belief and knowledge. Quotes broadly from canonical and non-canonical works. First to self-identify his sect of believers as “gnostics”. Admits the gnostic love of communicating their doctrines, but notes the risk in doing so with to the “unworthy”. Attests a very high concern of ethics that rivals anything found in proto-orthodox writings. Discusses ongoing gnostic revelation. Shares in the persecution and martyrdom complex so often seen among proto-orthodox Christians. Quotes Heracleon as a contemporary, and attests to another (contemporary?) writer named Hermogenes, who argued that God deposited Jesus’ body in the sun (also mentioned by Pseudo-Hippolytus). Mentions a former associate named Pantaenus ((same person who Eusebius claims taught Clement??)). Attests a basic tolerance of the airing of “heterodox” (proto-orthodox?) doctrine, but reacts negatively to ideas of Tatian and claims that blasphemies and nonsense are punished “by reason”. Interesting overlaps with Pauline language and specific arguments used by Justin Martyr.

Eusebius claims that Victor excommunicated Theodotus for his adoptionistic views.

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