Reply #11: It is important to differentiate [View All]

[necso]

between the early "fathers" (those that are recognized are those who "won out") and the various early Christian sects practicing something quite different.

In practise, the "fathers" suppressed divergent practises, beliefs and texts... and so it is difficult to get good information on early practises, particularly those practises of the direct followers of Jesus.

It is, however, believed that some early sects rejected the Old Testament, used only the Gospels -- and even used some Gospels not now recognized.

Whenever a movement becomes "institutionalized", certain things are (often) to be expected -- like power struggles -- and like the suppression of heterodoxy.

I find the role of Constantine in structuring the early church interesting, and when I read some parts of the New Testament, I can't help wondering how Christianity might have developed if different "players" had had a controlling interest in its development.

...But I find Gibbon (very, very) tough going.

And yes, Christianity has at times taken the essence of the Semitic social code -- denial -- to places undreamed of by those who developed it. And this was (and generally is), to some extent anyway, counter to the practises of Judaism and particularly to the learned (and sometimes knowledge seeking) practises of rabbinical Judaism.

But there is nothing inherent in self-denial (or non-materialism or Christianity) that makes it seek ignorance, crush dissent or practise intolerance. (Indeed, denial has at times been morphed into the pursuit of suffering.) And there is much in organizations (particularly as they build control), however, that tends in these directions.

Peace... and please, no more Gibbon.