Early Christianity
Early Christianity is the period of Christianity preceding the First Council of Nicaea in 325. It is typically divided into the Apostolic Age and the Ante-Nicene Period (from the Apostolic Age until Nicea). History[edit] During the Ante-Nicene period following the Apostolic Age, a great diversity of views emerged simultaneously with strong unifying characteristics lacking in the apostolic period. According to Will Durant, the Christian Church prevailed over Paganism because it offered a much more attractive doctrine and because the church leaders addressed human needs better than their rivals.[8] Practices[edit] From the writings of early Christians, historians have tried to piece together an understanding of various early Christian practices including worship services, customs and observances. Baptism[edit] Early Christian beliefs regarding baptism probably predate the New Testament writings. The 3rd century evidence is clearer, with both Origen[14] and Cyprian advocating the practice.
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa
Life[edit] Agrippa was born in Cologne on 15 September 1486. In 1512, he taught at the University of Dole in the Free County of Burgundy, lecturing on Johann Reuchlin's De verbo mirifico; as a result, Agrippa was denounced, behind his back, as a "Judaizing heretic". Agrippa's vitriolic response many months later did not endear him to the University. In 1510, Agrippa studied briefly with Johannes Trithemius, and Agrippa sent him an early draft of his masterpiece, De occulta philosophia libri tres, a kind of summa of early modern occult thought. During his wandering life in Germany, France, and Italy, Agrippa worked as a theologian, physician, legal expert, and soldier. No evidence exists that Agrippa was seriously accused, much less persecuted, for his interest in or practice of magical or occult arts during his lifetime, apart from losing several positions. In the Third Book of Occult Philosophy, Agrippa concludes with:[2] Works[edit] Woodcut print portrait of Agrippa See also[edit]
A complete version of The Gospel of Mary Magdalene - National Gnosticism & Heretical Spirituality
Mary Magdalene has perennially intrigued western culture, yet her interest has peaked in the last generation because of the parallel interest in the Gnostic Gospels. No longer just a redeemed sinner or sensuous projection for artists, Gnosticism revealed a Mary Magdalene who was a spiritual visionary, a religious leader, and perhaps the main disciple of the risen Christ. In the Nag Hammadi library’s Dialogue with of Savior, she is proclaimed as “the woman who understood The All.” The most popular narration of Mary Magdalene today is the Gospel of Mary (even though its discovery is well over a century old). In this scripture, Mary shares in a mystic vision with Jesus concerning the infinite domains. She moreover comforts and leads the other apostles, although not without conflict. In The Pre-Nicene New Testament, Robert M. Price summarizes Mary’s role this scripture as “a symbolic figurehead for Gnostic and other sects who claimed her as their authorization.
Religious symbolism
This article is about symbolism in religion. See religious symbols for graphical symbols. See United States Department of Veterans Affairs emblems for headstones and markers for such symbols as used by that organization. Religious symbolism is the use of symbols, including archetypes, acts, artwork, events, or natural phenomena, by a religion.[citation needed] Religions[who?] view religious texts, rituals, and works of art as symbols of compelling ideas or ideals. See also[edit] References[edit] External links[edit] United States Veteran's Administration approved religious symbols for graves
